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Key Points

Congress leader Imran Masood has surprisingly backed the Indian government's engagement with the Taliban-led Afghanistan regime. He welcomed the red carpet reception given to Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his Delhi visit. Masood pointed out the irony that BJP leaders who once condemned the Taliban are now engaging with them. He stressed that national interest should guide foreign policy rather than domestic political posturing.

Key Points: Congress Imran Masood Welcomes India Taliban Engagement

  • Congress leader welcomes Afghan FM Muttaqi's red carpet reception in New Delhi
  • Masood emphasizes strategic need for India-Afghanistan ties despite BJP criticism
  • Afghan delegation seeks trade expansion in dry fruits and pharmaceuticals
  • Muttaqi pushes for Chabahar port use and Attari-Wagah border opening
  • Taliban invites Indian investment in Afghanistan's mineral mining sector
  • Over two dozen Afghan traders expected to meet Muttaqi in Delhi
2 min read

Wisdom finally prevails: Congress' Imran Masood welcomes India's engagement with Taliban-led Afghanistan

Congress MP supports India's outreach to Taliban-led Afghanistan, calls for foreign policy free from domestic politics while backing strategic ties with Kabul.

"If wisdom has finally prevailed, then thank you. It should now be clear that our foreign policy and diplomacy must not be shaped by your domestic politics - Imran Masood"

New Delhi, Oct 12

Senior Congress leader and MP Imran Masood has backed the Indian government’s outreach to the Taliban-led regime in Afghanistan, welcoming the recent visit of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi.

Masood lauded the government’s decision to offer a "red carpet welcome" to Muttaqi, highlighting the strategic need for improved ties with Afghanistan.

"Pakistan cannot tolerate that India shares strong relations with Afghanistan. From a strategic perspective, it is essential for India to strengthen ties with Kabul. I welcome the government’s decision to receive the Afghan foreign minister with dignity and respect," Masood said.

In a sharp jibe at the ruling BJP, the Congress MP reminded that some BJP leaders had previously labelled the Taliban as “Talibani mindset” in Parliament. Masood remarked that such political posturing should not influence India’s foreign policy.

“These are the same Taliban that your party’s leaders once condemned in Parliament, calling them ‘Talibani thinking’. If wisdom has finally prevailed, then thank you. It should now be clear that our foreign policy and diplomacy must not be shaped by your domestic politics,” Masood said, adding that national interest should always take precedence.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Muttaqi is currently on a week-long visit to India, during which he is expected to push for enhanced trade and economic cooperation between India and Afghanistan.

According to officials, over two dozen Afghan traders are likely to arrive in Delhi on Monday to meet with Muttaqi, signalling Kabul’s growing interest in boosting commercial ties with India. Key sectors identified for trade collaboration include dry fruits, pharmaceuticals, public infrastructure, and more.

During a restricted media interaction at the Afghan Embassy in Delhi on Friday, Muttaqi also advocated for the use of the Chabahar port for India-Afghanistan trade and called for the opening of the Attari-Wagah border for Indian exports, a move currently blocked by Pakistan.

In his high-level meetings, including with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Muttaqi also invited Indian companies to invest in Afghanistan’s mining sector, which holds significant untapped reserves of copper, lithium, iron, gold, and other strategic minerals.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I support engagement with Afghanistan, we must be cautious about the Taliban's human rights record, especially women's rights. Our diplomacy should include pressure for reforms.
A
Arjun K
This is smart geopolitics! Using Chabahar port and bypassing Pakistan is exactly what we need. The mineral resources in Afghanistan could be game-changing for Indian industries. 🚀
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Congress supporting government's foreign policy. Masood makes a valid point - national interest should override political differences. Hope this cooperation continues.
V
Vikram M
Dry fruits, minerals, pharmaceuticals - great opportunities for trade! This engagement will benefit both countries economically. Pakistan's discomfort is just a bonus 😄
M
Michael C
While the economic benefits are clear, I hope our government maintains pressure on Taliban regarding human rights and counter-terrorism commitments. Strategic engagement shouldn't mean ignoring core values.
A
Ananya R
Good move! We cannot let Pakistan dictate our relations with Afghanistan. The Chabahar port route is crucial for regional connectivity. More trade means more development for both nations. 🙌

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