In a diplomatic maneuver, a representative of New Delhi, India attended a meeting led by the Foreign Minister of the Taliban’s government in Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi. Despite not officially recognizing the Taliban’s administration, India engaged in discussions focused on fostering regional cooperation initiatives.
Muttaqi chaired the meeting, which included representatives from India, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia, and Kyrgyzstan in Kabul. The primary agenda was to enhance constructive engagement between the Taliban government in Afghanistan and its regional neighbors.
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India, having refrained from recognizing the Taliban’s government, participated through an official representative. This move follows New Delhi’s diplomatic approach, avoiding a complete breakdown of ties with Afghanistan after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Previously, India had closed its embassy in Kabul in 1996 when the Taliban took control. However, in 2021, India evacuated its envoy and diplomats within 48 hours but maintained its embassy, signaling a nuanced approach.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had initiated back-channel contacts with the Taliban, with a notable meeting between Deepak Mittal and the Taliban’s political office head, Stanekzai, in August 2021. Subsequent engagements included a delegation led by a senior diplomat meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi in June 2022.
Despite this diplomatic engagement, India, like many nations, has not officially recognized the Taliban’s government. The strategic outreach aims to prevent Pakistan and China from exploiting the situation to India’s disadvantage.
