In a significant move, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar held a conversation on Thursday with Taliban representative Amir Khan Muttaki, marking India’s inaugural ministerial outreach to the Taliban since they took control of Afghanistan. This call came shortly after the Taliban condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pahargam, which left 26 civilians dead due to actions by Pakistan-linked terrorists.
“Ministerial Dialogue – A First with the Taliban”
Jaishankar shared on social media that during the discussion, he reiterated India’s longstanding friendship with the Afghan people and expressed continued support for their development needs, exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration.
“Countering Misinformation from Pakistan”
In response to misleading narratives linking the Taliban to incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, Jaishankar indicated that they addressed recent attempts by Pakistan to sow discord between India and Afghanistan.
“The Role of Chabahar Port in Iran”
During the call, Muttaki also requested Jaishankar to facilitate more visas for Afghans in need of medical care. The discussions touched on bilateral trade, the release of Afghan prisoners in India, and the importance of Iran’s Chabahar port, especially after the deterioration of trade relations between India and Pakistan following the Pahargam attacks.
“Fostering Relations with the Taliban”
Since the Taliban’s rise to power in August 2021, India has made strides in enhancing relations through various diplomatic interactions. While formal ties have not been fully established, India’s strategy includes humanitarian assistance and the welfare of Afghan citizens. Recent visits by Indian diplomats signify ongoing efforts to stabilize relations.
“Continued Diplomatic Engagement”
Significant meetings have occurred, including a recent visit by Indian diplomat Anand Prakash to Kabul shortly after the Pahargam attacks. The dialogue aims to address concerns of cross-border terrorism and collaboration on humanitarian efforts.
“Building Confidence”
Recently, the Indian government has permitted the Taliban to manage Afghan diplomatic missions in the country, facilitating services for Indian citizens. New Delhi has also provided substantial humanitarian aid, including wheat shipments, medical supplies, and vaccination doses, showcasing its commitment to supporting Afghanistan during these challenging times.
