What happened?
On May 15, 2025, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government. This marked the first political-level engagement between India and the Taliban since the group’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021. During the call, Jaishankar expressed deep appreciation for the Taliban’s strong condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. He also welcomed Afghanistan’s rejection of attempts to create distrust between the two nations.
Why it matters to India
This diplomatic outreach signifies a potential shift in India’s approach toward Afghanistan under Taliban rule. By initiating direct political contact, India aims to address mutual concerns, particularly regarding regional security and counter-terrorism efforts. Engaging with the Taliban could facilitate cooperation in preventing Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorist activities that threaten India’s national security. Additionally, fostering a working relationship may help India safeguard its strategic interests in the region and contribute to broader stability in South Asia.