Date: October 12, 2025
By: Prashant Jain, America News World
In a significant move that reshapes regional diplomacy, India and Afghanistan’s Taliban government have agreed to restore full diplomatic relations. The decision came during a high-profile visit by the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, to New Delhi—the first such trip since the group regained power in 2021 .
A Major Diplomatic Upgrade
After meeting with Muttaqi, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, announced that India’s Technical Mission in Kabul will be upgraded to a full embassy .
“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. To enhance that, I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India,” Jaishankar stated .
In return, Muttaqi confirmed that the Taliban administration would also send its diplomats to New Delhi, signaling a mutual step toward “normalcy” in their bilateral relationship .
A Meeting of “Close Friends” and Shared Interests
The atmosphere during the talks was notably cordial. Muttaqi described India as a “close friend” and acknowledged its prompt humanitarian assistance, especially after recent earthquakes in Afghanistan .
A key focus of the discussion was on boosting trade and economic ties. Muttaqi specifically invited Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in the resource-rich country . Both ministers emphasized their shared interest in increasing trade, which surpassed $1 billion last year, and discussed using the Chabahar port as a vital trade route .
A United Front on Terrorism
In a clear message directed at Pakistan, both ministers highlighted the shared threat of cross-border terrorism .
“We have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity. However, these are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism. We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms,” Jaishankar said during the meeting .
Echoing this, Muttaqi assured that “Afghanistan will never allow anyone to use the territory of Afghanistan against others” . This commitment comes amid escalating regional tensions, with the Taliban recently accusing Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Afghan territory .
A Delicate Balance and Cautious Engagement
While India is ramping up its engagement, the move to reopen the embassy is being seen as a pragmatic step rather than a formal recognition of the Taliban government . This careful approach allows India to protect its strategic interests in the region while navigating the complex international stance toward the Taliban regime .
The visit also highlighted ongoing internal tensions. At the Afghan embassy in Delhi, staff loyal to the former Republic of Afghanistan resisted attempts to hoist the Taliban flag, a symbol of the unresolved political transition . Furthermore, the Taliban’s stance on domestic issues, particularly women’s rights, remains a point of international concern .
What This Means for the Region
This diplomatic reset marks a new chapter for India-Afghanistan relations. For India, it is a strategic move to secure its interests in a region where its rival, Pakistan, has seen its own relationship with the Taliban deteriorate . For the Taliban, stronger ties with India offer a potential path toward greater economic stability and international engagement.
As both nations move to exchange diplomats, the world will be watching to see how this renewed partnership influences the delicate geopolitical balance of South Asia.
Discover more from AMERICA NEWS WORLD
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
