NEW DELHI — A senior official from India’s foreign ministry engaged in talks with the acting foreign minister of Afghanistan on Wednesday, marking a second meeting in two months between the two countries, which lack formal diplomatic relations. The discussions predominantly centered around practical issues, including business collaboration and humanitarian aid.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions with Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, during a visit to the United Arab Emirates. According to the Indian foreign ministry’s statement, Misri expressed India’s willingness to address Afghanistan’s pressing humanitarian and developmental requirements. They also explored opportunities for the Afghan business sector to leverage the Chabahar port in Iran for goods trade with India.
In a previous engagement in November, an Indian team led by J P Singh, a joint secretary from the foreign ministry responsible for relations involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, traveled to Kabul. During this visit, the delegation met with acting Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid and several other Afghan ministers, as well as former President Hamid Karzai and representatives from UN agencies.
Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021 amidst the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces, no country has formally recognized the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate governing authority. India has stated that its approach will align with the guidelines set forth by the United Nations regarding this matter.
The timing of the recent discussions is significant, considering the escalating tensions between Afghanistan and its neighbor, Pakistan. Last week, Pakistan initiated military operations targeting a training facility within Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, resulting in casualties, notably among women and children.
Pakistan frequently asserts that the Pakistani Taliban utilize Afghan territory to execute attacks against Pakistan, a claim that Afghanistan has consistently refuted. In response to the recent incursions, Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry announced that its forces conducted strikes in various regions of Pakistan as retaliation.
India and Pakistan have a longstanding rivalry, having engaged in three wars over Kashmir since their independence from British rule in 1947. During Wednesday’s meeting, Afghan officials acknowledged India’s security concerns, indicating a commitment to maintain communication and regular dialogue across various levels.
Additionally, discussions addressed ongoing humanitarian aid initiatives. India reiterated its intention to bolster support for the Afghan healthcare sector and efforts regarding refugee rehabilitation. There were also conversations about enhancing sporting relations, especially in cricket.
Since last year, India has maintained a technical team in Kabul tasked with overseeing and facilitating humanitarian assistance efforts.
