What happened
On October 9, 2025, Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi for a week-long visit, marking the first high-level delegation from Kabul to India since the Taliban took control in August 2021. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed him, stating, “We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues.”
Why it matters to India
During the visit, Muttaqi is set to meet his Indian counterpart and other senior officials to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation. While India does not formally recognise the Taliban, it continues engagement through diplomatic channels and humanitarian assistance. The visit follows participation in the 7th Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan and signals India’s ongoing role in regional connectivity and stability initiatives. The visit has been facilitated by a temporary UN Security Council exemption on travel restrictions.