India Reaffirms Support for Afghanistan: Key Outcomes of Jaishankar-Muttaqi Talks

In a significant diplomatic move, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, marking the first high-level visit by a Taliban official to India since their return to power.

India announced the upgrade of its Technical Mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy — a clear signal of renewed engagement with Afghanistan.

India’s Key Gifts and Support to Afghanistan at a Glance

1. Development and Reconstruction Commitments

India has pledged to resume several development projects across Afghanistan, with a focus on healthcare, infrastructure, and education. Among the key commitments:

• Construction of a 30-bed hospital in Bagrami district, trauma and oncology centres in Kabul, and five maternity clinics in Paktika, Khost, and Paktia.

• Upgrades to the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, including a new heating system.

• Medical aid, including the donation of 20 ambulances — five of which were handed over symbolically during the meeting.

2. Humanitarian and Educational Assistance

India emphasised its continued humanitarian support, including food grains, school supplies, and disaster relief materials. Scholarships under the e-ICCR scheme for Afghan students remain available, with expanded academic opportunities under consideration.

3. Boosting Trade and Economic Cooperation

To enhance bilateral trade, both nations welcomed the launch of the India-Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor and discussed opportunities for Indian businesses in Afghanistan's mining sector. New flights between Kabul and New Delhi aim to bolster commerce and people-to-people ties.

4. Security, Sports, and Energy Dialogue

India appreciated the Taliban’s assurances regarding its security concerns. The leaders also discussed cooperation in sports, particularly cricket, and agreed to work on hydroelectric projects to support Afghanistan’s energy and agricultural needs.

5. Strategic Implications

Muttaqi’s visit follows a temporary UN travel ban exemption, underscoring the Taliban’s bid for global legitimacy and India’s regional balancing act amid rising influence from China and Pakistan in Afghanistan.

6. Earthquake Relief

India will help rebuild homes in quake-hit areas. Humanitarian aid includes ongoing supplies of food grains, school materials, disaster relief, and pesticides.

7. Energy Projects

Joint efforts on hydroelectric projects to support energy and agriculture in Afghanistan.

Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, marking the first high-level visit from Kabul since the Taliban takeover. His trip was made possible after the UN Security Council’s Taliban Sanctions Committee granted a temporary travel ban exemption on September 30, allowing him to visit India from October 9 to 16.

The visit reflects the Taliban’s push for international legitimacy and underscores India’s strategic efforts to re-engage with Afghanistan, balancing the growing influence of regional players like Pakistan and China.

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