The Taliban has described India as a “significant regional and economic partner” after senior officials from both sides held high-level talks in Dubai. This marks the most substantial diplomatic engagement between India and the Taliban since the group took over Afghanistan in 2021.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met acting Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Wednesday to discuss expanding bilateral relations and enhancing trade ties, according to reports.
Focus on Trade and Development
In a statement, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with India. “In line with Afghanistan’s balanced and economy-focused foreign policy, the Islamic Emirate aims to strengthen political and economic ties with India as a significant regional and economic partner,” it said.
Discussions included plans to boost trade through Iran’s Chabahar Port, a vital project India has been developing to bypass Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwadar ports. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also noted its intent to explore development projects and expand trade cooperation with Afghanistan.
India, which hosts thousands of Afghan refugees, reiterated its commitment to supporting their rehabilitation. “In response to the request from the Afghan side, India will provide further material support, particularly to the health sector and for the rehabilitation of refugees,” the MEA statement said.
Since late 2023, approximately one million Afghan refugees have been repatriated from Pakistan and Iran. Afghan officials have begun distributing land to returning refugees as part of resettlement efforts.
Sports Diplomacy and Health Initiatives
In addition to trade and development, both sides discussed fostering stronger ties in sports, particularly cricket, and India offered further support to Afghanistan’s health sector.
India has maintained a humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan, providing shipments of wheat, medicines, COVID-19 vaccines, and winter clothing since the Taliban took power.
India’s Complex Relationship with the Taliban
While India, like other nations, has not officially recognized the Taliban administration, it reopened its embassy in Kabul in June 2022. A team of “technical experts” was deployed to manage the mission. Meanwhile, the Taliban appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as acting consul in Mumbai last year, indicating growing, albeit unofficial, diplomatic engagement.
The Afghan embassy in New Delhi, however, was shuttered in November 2023, following visa issues for diplomats from the previous Afghan government ousted by the Taliban.
Regional Tensions Add Urgency to Talks
The meeting occurred against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Last week, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, targeting alleged armed groups linked to the Pakistan Taliban. The strikes, which Kabul denies hosting, killed dozens, primarily women and children.
India’s foreign office condemned the airstrikes, underscoring the fragility of the regional security environment. The Afghan delegation acknowledged India’s security concerns and pledged to maintain regular communication.
Historic Rivalries, Strategic Engagements
India’s outreach to Afghanistan reflects its broader regional strategy amid its long-standing rivalry with Pakistan. The two nations have fought three wars since their independence in 1947, primarily over Kashmir.
Despite these challenges, India continues to facilitate trade, humanitarian aid, and medical support to Afghanistan under Taliban rule, highlighting a pragmatic approach to securing its regional interests.
As both sides deepen their dialogue, the engagement between India and the Taliban could signal a recalibration of regional partnerships in a shifting geopolitical landscape.
