Indian Delegation Meets Taliban Foreign Minister in Kabul

New Delhi: A delegation of the External Affairs Ministry of India led by Joint Secretary (Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran) JP Singh, met Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul on Thursday. During the meeting several issues, including New Delhi’s humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan were discussed. A woman diplomat, Deepti Jharwal, was also part of the delegation.

Following the meeting, a statement from the spokesperson of the Ministry of Afghan Foreign Affairs stated on X that India is interested in expanding political and economic ties with Afghanistan and wants to develop trade through Chabahar port.

“Muttaqi said in this meeting that he wants to strengthen political and economic relations with India based on a balanced foreign policy and wants New Delhi to provide facilities in terms of business visas, health and education for the citizens of Afghanistan,” a statement by Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson of the Afghan ministry, said.

The Afghan statement further added, “Mr Singh said that India has provided humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in various areas in the last two and a half years. Moreover, commending IEA’s (Afghan Foreign Affairs) efforts in ensuring overall security and stability, countering narcotics, fighting ISKP and corruption in the country, Mr Singh said that India is interested in expanding political and economic cooperation with Afghanistan and enhancing trade via Chabahar port.”

Extending gratitude to India for its humanitarian assistance, Amir Khan Muttaqi said that Afghanistan “seeks to strengthen political and economic relations with India”.

Afghan Foreign Ministry urged India’s Joint Secretary to facilitate a visa issuance process for Afghan businessmen, patients and students.