By: The Trek News Desk
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, India and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan took a step toward normalizing relations on Friday. During a high-level meeting in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India will upgrade its current “technical mission” in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, marking the return of an official Indian diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after four years.
“This meeting is an important milestone in advancing our long-standing friendship and strengthening cooperation between India and Afghanistan,” Jaishankar said. “We must stand united against terrorism and work together for peace, stability, and development.”
A New Chapter in India–Afghanistan Relations
Reaffirming India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s progress, Jaishankar said that New Delhi intends to maintain and restore previously completed projects while also finishing those still underway.
India will also initiate six new development projects, including the supply of 20 ambulances, MRI and CT scan machines for hospitals, vaccines, and cancer medicines, along with food and relief assistance. Jaishankar further announced support for housing projects for Afghan refugees, emphasizing that “India will help them rebuild their lives with dignity.”
Shared Stance Against Terrorism
Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation against cross-border terrorism. “India and Afghanistan have both suffered from terrorism,” Jaishankar said. “Our joint efforts must focus on eliminating this threat.” He also thanked the Afghan government for its solidarity after the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, unity, and independence, adding that closer cooperation would contribute to regional peace and stability.
Muttaqi: ‘India Is a Trusted Friend’
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi described India as “a close and trusted friend,” expressing Kabul’s willingness to build relations based on “mutual respect and understanding.”
He said, “Afghanistan seeks political, trade, and people-to-people relations with India. We will not allow our territory to be used against any country.”
Muttaqi also noted that even during the period of U.S. occupation, “Afghanistan never made statements against India,” and appreciated India’s swift humanitarian response during recent natural disasters.
Cooperation in Education, Trade, and Sports
Jaishankar announced expanded opportunities for Afghan students to study at Indian universities and pledged greater support for sports development, particularly cricket. “The rise of Afghan cricket has been remarkable,” he said. “India is proud to deepen its contribution to this success.”
He also highlighted India’s new visa module for Afghan nationals, launched in April 2025, which allows for faster processing of medical, business, and student visas.
A Historic Visit, Shaping a New Regional Balance
Muttaqi is visiting India from October 9 to 16, marking the first-ever visit by a Taliban foreign minister since the group came to power in 2021. His itinerary includes visits to Agra and the Deoband seminary, as well as meetings with Afghan community leaders and business representatives.
The meeting comes at a time when India, alongside China, Pakistan, Russia, and Afghanistan, jointly opposed U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to take control of Bagram Air Base, signalling a subtle shift in regional dynamics and India’s pragmatic engagement approach toward the Taliban regime.
Source: News Agencies
