Afghan Taliban’s foreign office described India as a “major regional and economic partner” following a meeting with a senior Indian diplomat.
This marked the highest level of engagement between the two parties since the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in 2021.
On Wednesday, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Taliban, met with India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri. The meeting took place in Dubai.
Afghan officials expressed that aims of the meeting were the development of trade and enhancement of relations through Iran’s Chabahar Port.
India has been fiercely developing this port as a business passage in order to bypass the ports of Karachi and Gwadar in Pakistan.
The Taliban have been targeting furthering their ties with India by stating they will ensure balanced, economic foreign relations.
The foreign ministry of the country said that it was contemplating whether to begin development projects in Afghanistan in the wake of the current situation. The ministry also added that it would like to expand trade relations with the nation.
None of the countries has yet recognized the Taliban regime, they just deal with them at various levels.
India has a skeletal diplomatic dealings in certain functions, including trade, humanitarian aid, and medical services.
During the past two years of Taliban rule, India has provided considerable humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
In engaging with the Taliban, these actions have demonstrated an cautious but pragmatic approach on India’s part. It depicted that India is desirous of economic cooperation with a neighbor to foster regional stability.
Earlier, India announced that it will consider investing potentially in the development projects of Afghanistan shortly.
Although, both the countries do not have full diplomatic ties, India’s Foreign Ministry gave the statement on Wednesday.
After holding a meeting in Dubai with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi made this statement.
India would provide material assistance first, according to the ministry. It revealed that the country will offer its support in response to requests from the Afghan side.
India does not, however, recognize the Taliban regime that took over in 2021.
