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KABUL – In a dramatic diplomatic development that marks a significant shift in regional power dynamics, Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to make his first official visit to India this month, following the United Nations Security Council’s temporary lifting of travel restrictions against him.
The high-level visit, confirmed by multiple diplomatic sources on Wednesday, represents the most substantial engagement between India and the Taliban-led government since the group returned to power in August 2021. The trip comes after the UN Security Council Committee granted Muttaqi an exemption from the international travel ban that has previously restricted his movements.
The development carries profound implications for regional geopolitics, sending distinct messages to multiple global powers. For Pakistan, traditionally seen as the Taliban’s primary regional patron, the visit challenges Islamabad’s historical “strategic depth” in Afghanistan and signals New Delhi’s determination to establish direct channels with Kabul’s leadership.
To China, which has actively pursued economic and political influence in Afghanistan, India’s engagement with the Taliban government represents a direct challenge to Beijing’s expanding regional footprint. The move also communicates to the United States that India intends to pursue an independent Afghan policy, even as Washington maintains its cautious approach toward the Taliban regime.
“The Muttaqi visit represents India’s pragmatic recognition that the Taliban are the de facto rulers in Kabul,” explained Dr. Sameer Patil, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Security Studies. “New Delhi is making it clear that it won’t cede strategic space to Pakistan or China in Afghanistan, regardless of international reservations about engaging with the Taliban government.”
Indian officials have maintained that their engagement focuses on practical humanitarian concerns and regional stability, particularly the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghan territory. However, analysts suggest the discussions will likely explore potential economic cooperation and India’s possible return to development projects initiated before the Taliban takeover.
The visit comes amid reports of growing tensions between the Taliban leadership and Pakistan, potentially creating an opening for India to establish formal diplomatic ties with Kabul. Security experts warn, however, that New Delhi must navigate this new relationship carefully to avoid escalating regional tensions.
As of press time, neither India’s External Affairs Ministry nor the Taliban’s foreign office had released official details about the agenda, but sources indicate the visit could occur as early as next week, with both sides preparing for what could redefine South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.
