Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi Visits India: A Step Toward Regional Diplomacy

In October 2025, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, made headlines with a six-day visit to India. This visit was historic because it marked the first high-level engagement between India and the Taliban-led Afghan government since the group regained power in 2021. The visit reflected a notable shift in regional diplomacy and demonstrated India’s willingness to engage with Afghanistan under a new political reality. It also highlighted the challenges and opportunities of building constructive ties in South Asia, a region known for its complex political and security dynamics.

The visit came at a time when Afghanistan faced multiple challenges. After the Taliban took control in 2021, the country struggled with economic instability, political uncertainty, and strained international relations. India, which has traditionally maintained strong ties with Afghanistan, especially through infrastructure projects and humanitarian aid, has been cautious in its dealings with the Taliban. However, as the situation evolved, India decided to pursue a pragmatic approach to maintain influence and support stability in the region.

Diplomatic Engagements in New Delhi

Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi and was received by senior officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. His key meeting was with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, at Hyderabad House. The meeting was notably conducted without the display of national flags, reflecting the sensitive nature of this diplomatic encounter. Both sides emphasized the importance of regional stability, constructive dialogue, and cooperation on mutual concerns.

Although the details of the discussions were not fully disclosed to the public, sources indicate that security, trade, and humanitarian issues were major points of discussion. India has been providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan for years, and it continues to see the country’s stability as vital to its own security and economic interests. Likewise, Afghanistan under the Taliban seeks recognition, aid, and stronger ties with neighboring countries to address its economic challenges.

The engagement was also a signal to other regional players. By opening formal channels of communication with the Taliban-led government, India demonstrated that it seeks dialogue, not confrontation. This is particularly important given Afghanistan’s geopolitical position, sharing borders with Pakistan, Iran, China, and Central Asian countries.

Cultural and Religious Diplomacy: Visit to Darul Uloom Deoband

During his visit, Amir Khan Muttaqi traveled to Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s most prominent Islamic seminaries. This visit was symbolic and strategic. The Deoband school of thought has historical ties with Afghanistan, and the Taliban’s ideological roots are linked to this tradition. By engaging with the seminary, Muttaqi emphasized cultural and religious ties that extend beyond politics.

The visit also demonstrated the Taliban’s interest in building positive relations with India’s Muslim community. Religious diplomacy, in this context, serves as a tool to foster understanding and mutual respect between nations. For India, it was an opportunity to reinforce that Afghanistan under the Taliban is not isolated and that dialogue can occur without compromising India’s democratic and pluralistic values.

Media Interactions and Challenges

The visit was accompanied by significant media attention and some controversies. A press conference held at the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi initially excluded female journalists, drawing criticism from the public and political figures. The Afghan Foreign Minister later addressed the issue, holding a follow-up press interaction where both male and female journalists could participate. He explained that the earlier exclusion was due to logistical issues, not deliberate discrimination.

This incident highlighted the challenges of engaging with the Taliban on international platforms. India, which values free press and gender equality, had to carefully navigate this aspect while maintaining diplomatic decorum. It underscored the differences in governance styles and social norms between India and the Taliban administration. Despite these challenges, the engagement allowed both sides to communicate and build trust for future cooperation.

Strategic Implications for India and Afghanistan

India’s decision to engage with the Taliban-led government reflects a pragmatic approach. Historically, India’s relationship with the Taliban has been complicated, especially after incidents like the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814. However, regional changes, including deteriorating ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan, have created space for India to reassess its approach. By engaging with Afghanistan, India can maintain its influence, support stability, and ensure that development projects in Afghanistan continue.

For Afghanistan, the visit served multiple purposes. It allowed the Taliban-led government to seek international legitimacy, attract support for economic development, and signal a willingness to engage with regional powers constructively. Afghanistan faces a humanitarian crisis, and securing cooperation from India could be crucial for infrastructure projects, health services, and education.

The engagement also reflects broader strategic dynamics in South Asia. India’s growing ties with Afghanistan counterbalance Pakistan’s historical influence in the country. At the same time, Afghanistan’s need for international cooperation pushes the Taliban toward diplomacy and engagement rather than isolation.

Regional Dynamics and Security Concerns

The timing of Muttaqi’s visit coincided with rising tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Cross-border incidents had created concern about security and stability in the region. Both India and Afghanistan are keen on preventing conflict escalation, and diplomatic dialogue is seen as a key tool in managing these tensions.

India’s engagement also reassures the international community about its role in regional stability. By encouraging dialogue with Afghanistan, India positions itself as a responsible neighbor and partner. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s efforts to reach out to India show the Taliban’s recognition of the need for constructive regional relationships to ensure economic and social stability.

Economic and Humanitarian Cooperation

During the visit, India reaffirmed its commitment to continue humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Projects related to healthcare, education, and infrastructure development were discussed. India has historically supported Afghanistan through initiatives like building schools, hospitals, and roads. Continuing this support benefits both nations: it helps Afghanistan address its pressing needs and strengthens India’s soft power and influence in the region.

Muttaqi’s visit also opened discussions on trade and economic collaboration. India is interested in accessing Central Asian markets through Afghanistan, while Afghanistan seeks investment and support for rebuilding its economy. Establishing trade channels, investing in energy projects, and facilitating connectivity could be potential areas of cooperation that benefit both countries in the long term.

The Future of India-Afghanistan Relations

Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India marks a turning point in bilateral relations. It reflects India’s readiness to engage pragmatically with the Taliban-led government while maintaining its core values. The visit creates opportunities for dialogue, economic collaboration, and regional stability.

The path forward will require careful diplomacy. Both nations must balance security concerns, cultural sensitivities, and regional competition. India’s approach demonstrates that engagement, rather than isolation, can create constructive outcomes. Similarly, the Taliban’s willingness to participate in diplomatic channels signals a potential shift toward international cooperation.

While challenges remain, this visit could lay the groundwork for stronger India-Afghanistan relations. Over time, such engagement has the potential to enhance regional stability, promote economic growth, and build trust between nations with shared histories and mutual interests.

Conclusion

Amir Khan Muttaqi’s six-day visit to India is more than a diplomatic gesture; it represents a new chapter in South Asian politics. It reflects the evolving approach of India toward Afghanistan and the willingness of the Taliban-led government to engage with neighboring countries constructively. The visit highlights opportunities for cultural, economic, and political collaboration, while also underscoring the challenges of navigating differing governance systems and social norms.

This historic visit has the potential to reshape India-Afghanistan relations in a positive way. Through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding, both countries can work toward regional stability and prosperity. The coming months and years will reveal how these engagements translate into tangible outcomes, but for now, Muttaqi’s visit stands as a symbol of cautious optimism and diplomatic progress in a region that has often faced conflict and uncertainty.

Source: Al Jazeera, The Indian Express, NDTV, The Times of India