Indian Foreign Secretary meets Afghan Taliban’s Foreign Minister in a historic first.

What happened?

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai on January 08, 2025, marking their first official meeting. Both sides discussed bilateral relations, regional issues, and humanitarian aid, with India pledging support for Afghanistan’s health sector and trade through the Chabahar port.

Why it matters to India.

This latest meeting marked India’s ongoing efforts to engage Afghan Taliban leadership directly, especially at a time when the region’s geopolitics is in a state of flux. It also demonstrates India’s proactive pursuit of national and regional security interests. Both sides discussed enhancing cricket ties and boosting trade through the Chabahar port, which is key for India’s strategic interests. Notably, the Afghan Taliban leadership also acknowledged India’s security concerns, indicating a mutual understanding for a continued dialogue.