India’s point-person on Afghanistan, Anand Prakash, had a chit-chat with Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, regarding political and trade stuff, according to Afghan media on Sunday (April 27, 2025). The meeting took place in Kabul, and the acting foreign minister highlighted the need for expanding political and economic ties with India, as reported by Tolo News. Mr. Muttaqi stressed the importance of boosting diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, suggesting that Indian investors should jump on the bandwagon and invest in Afghanistan, the media outlet quoted an Afghan spokesperson as saying. Prakash, the joint secretary overseeing the division for Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran in the Ministry of External Affairs, paid a visit amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan due to the Pahalgam terror attack. It remains unclear if the issue was touched upon during the Prakash-Muttaqi talks. India has yet to acknowledge the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and has been advocating for the establishment of an inclusive government in Kabul, along with insisting that Afghan soil should not be used for terrorist activities against any nation. The country has been pushing for the delivery of unimpeded humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to tackle the unfolding humanitarian crisis. In June 2022, India re-established its diplomatic presence in Kabul by dispatching a “technical team” to its embassy in the Afghan capital after withdrawing its officials following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021 due to security concerns. Published on April 28, 2025, at 05:25 pm IST.
