India’s foreign ministry, meanwhile, stated it was exploring development projects in Afghanistan and enhancing trade ties…reports Asian Lite News
In their highest-level engagement since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with acting Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai on Wednesday. The discussions centred on strengthening political and economic ties, with a particular focus on trade through Iran’s Chabahar Port, bypassing Pakistan’s ports of Karachi and Gwadar.
The Taliban’s foreign office emphasised India’s importance as a “significant regional and economic partner” and expressed their commitment to expanding relations under Afghanistan’s “balanced and economy-focused foreign policy.”
India’s foreign ministry, meanwhile, stated it was exploring development projects in Afghanistan and enhancing trade ties. Although no foreign government, including India, officially recognizes the Taliban administration, India maintains a small mission in Kabul to facilitate trade, aid, and medical support.
Geopolitical Implications
The meeting could heighten tensions with Pakistan, which shares borders with both India and Afghanistan. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain strained, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants responsible for attacks on its soil—an allegation the Taliban denies.
India’s stance on Pakistan’s actions in Afghanistan also remains critical. Earlier this week, India condemned airstrikes conducted by Pakistan on Afghan territory late last year.
Meanwhile, regional powers like China and Russia have shown interest in increasing trade and investment in Afghanistan, signaling a broader competition for influence in the war-torn nation.
The talks mark a significant step in India’s engagement with Afghanistan under Taliban rule, highlighting a pragmatic approach to navigating regional dynamics and economic opportunities.
Development projects
India has pledged further humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, including material support in the first instance to the health sector and for the rehabilitation of refugees.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Foreign Secretary underlined India’s historic friendship with the Afghan people and the strong people-to-people contacts between the two countries. In this context, he conveyed India’s readiness to respond to the urgent developmental needs of the Afghan people.
As the two sides evaluated the ongoing Indian humanitarian assistance programmes, the Afghan Minister appreciated and thanked the Indian leadership for continuing to engage and support the people of Afghanistan.
“In view of the current need for development activities, it was decided that India would consider engaging in development projects in the near future, in addition to the ongoing humanitarian assistance programme,” read a statement issued by the MEA.
During the meeting, the two sides also discussed strengthening of sports, especially cricket cooperation, which is highly valued by the young generation of Afghanistan.
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