India, Afghanistan Hold First High-Level Talks Since Taliban Takeover; India to Reopen Kabul Embassy

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on Friday, marking the first high-level engagement between the two countries since the Taliban seized power in 2021 following the US troop withdrawal.

Welcoming Muttaqi and his delegation, Jaishankar said:

“We welcome you and your delegation to India. This visit marks a step in advancing our ties. Meeting in person has special value in changing perspectives and sharing interests. As a contiguous neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress.”

In a major diplomatic development, Jaishankar announced that India will reopen its embassy in Kabul, upgrading its Technical Mission in Kabul to the Embassy of India. He emphasized:

“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan. Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development, as well as regional stability and resilience.”

Muttaqi, one of several Taliban leaders under UN sanctions, arrived in New Delhi on Thursday after receiving a temporary travel exemption from the UN Security Council Committee. His visit follows his participation in an international conference on Afghanistan in Russia, which included representatives from India, China, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian nations.

This meeting signals a renewed diplomatic engagement between India and the Taliban-led Afghan administration, focusing on development, regional stability, and cooperation.