KABUL (Reuters) – The Taliban’s foreign office has described India as a “significant regional and economic partner” after high-level talks between senior officials from both sides, marking the first such meeting since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021.
India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, met with the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai on Wednesday. The two sides discussed expanding their bilateral relationship and enhancing trade through Chabahar Port in Iran, a strategic location developed by India to provide an alternative trade route that bypasses the Pakistani ports of Karachi and Gwadar.
Afghanistan’s foreign ministry issued a statement following the meeting, emphasizing that the Taliban’s foreign policy focuses on strengthening political and economic ties with India. The statement highlighted the desire to build a balanced relationship, with an emphasis on economic cooperation.
India’s foreign ministry also commented on the meeting, noting that it was considering engaging in development projects within Afghanistan and working to increase trade ties.
Although India does not officially recognize the Taliban-led government, it maintains a diplomatic presence in Kabul, offering humanitarian aid and supporting medical and trade initiatives in Afghanistan. Additionally, other countries, including China and Russia, have indicated their willingness to invest and expand trade with Afghanistan.
The talks have the potential to strain relations with Pakistan, which shares borders with both Afghanistan and India. Pakistan and Afghanistan have experienced tensions, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban of allowing militant groups to launch attacks from Afghan territory—an allegation the Taliban has denied.
Earlier this week, India condemned airstrikes conducted by Pakistan on Afghan soil in late 2024.
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