Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi Touches Down in New Delhi
On October 9, 2025, Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, arrived in New Delhi for a six-day visit. This marks the first ministerial-level trip from the Taliban-led government to India since their takeover of Kabul in August 2021. The visit was made possible through a temporary travel exemption granted by the United Nations Security Council’s Taliban Sanctions Committee, lifting the travel restrictions specifically for this diplomatic engagement.
Diplomatic Agenda and Planned Engagements
Upon his arrival, Muttaqi was greeted by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who expressed hope for “fruitful discussions on bilateral relations and regional issues.”
During his stay, Muttaqi is expected to hold meetings with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, covering political, economic, and trade-related matters. In addition, he plans to visit the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary, the Taj Mahal, and engage with Indian business leaders and members of the Afghan diaspora in India.
Significance of the Visi
This visit is considered a notable step in India-Afghanistan ties under Taliban rule. While India has not formally recognized the Taliban government, the reopening of a small Indian mission in Kabul in 2022 and this high-profile visit reflect a cautious diplomatic engagement aimed at fostering dialogue and cooperation on mutual interests.
Wider Regional Context
Muttaqi’s visit comes amid increased regional diplomatic activity, including his recent participation in the Moscow Format Consultations, a multilateral forum on Afghanistan. These engagements underscore the Taliban’s attempts to expand international relations and garner regional support.
credit Reuters
