Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, sent a delegation to Afghanistan in November last year. The delegation met with Mullah Mohammed Yakub Mujahid, the son of former supreme leader Mullah Omar. The move was seen as an attempt to build a new relationship between India and Afghanistan.
The Taliban took over the reins of Afghanistan in 2021. Following the regime change, relations between India and Afghanistan stagnated. However, on January 8, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai.
India has not yet officially recognized the Taliban government, but it views the group as an important ally in Central Asia. Prior to this, an Indian delegation met with the Taliban government in 2022. The Taliban returned to power after the U.S. military withdrew from the country. If the Taliban responds positively, India may grant official recognition and consider opening its consulate.
India has made it clear to the Taliban that it should not allow its soil to be used against India, and the Taliban has assured this commitment. On the other hand, the Taliban government wants to appoint a diplomat to the Afghan embassy in Delhi. In this context, Taliban leaders met with J.P. Singh, the Joint secretary heading the Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran division in the Ministry of External Affairs.
This move by Jaishankar is likely to upset Turkey and Pakistan. Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan, often voices its support for Pakistan on international forums, particularly regarding the Kashmir issue. Additionally, Turkey’s treatment of Afghan refugees in the country has raised concerns.
India has refrained from maintaining a military presence in Afghanistan. However, it supports foreign military presence in the country to ensure its stability and development.
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