In a significant development, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met the Taliban’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai on Wednesday. This marks the first officially acknowledged meeting between a senior Indian official and the Taliban leadership, signaling a cautious yet crucial engagement amidst ongoing challenges in the region.
The talks addressed a range of issues, including India’s security concerns, humanitarian aid, and regional trade. The Taliban leadership, acknowledging India’s apprehensions, conveyed its “sensitivities to India’s security concerns.” This dialogue comes against the backdrop of India’s worries about the presence of Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operating in Afghanistan. New Delhi has consistently urged the Taliban to ensure that Afghan soil is not used as a base for anti-India activities.
During the meeting, India reiterated its commitment to supporting the Afghan people, offering further material aid for the health sector and refugee rehabilitation. This gesture gains significance following Pakistan’s recent decision to expel over 500,000 Afghan refugees, leaving many in dire need of assistance. India’s humanitarian contributions to Afghanistan, which include wheat, medicines, vaccines, and relief supplies, have been ongoing despite the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
Both sides also discussed the potential for enhanced trade and commerce through Iran’s Chabahar Port, operated by an Indian firm. The port has emerged as a vital transit hub for bypassing Pakistan and delivering humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Misri emphasized India’s “historic friendship” with the Afghan people and highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties and developmental cooperation.
The meeting also touched upon fostering cultural and sports connections, with discussions on strengthening cricket as a shared passion between the two nations. The Taliban expressed gratitude for India’s continued assistance and indicated its openness to further developmental projects in Afghanistan.
This meeting, however, comes at a time of heightened regional tension. Just two days prior, India condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan, which reportedly killed dozens of civilians, including women and children. While the Indian government maintains its focus on supporting the Afghan people, it continues to monitor the situation closely to address its strategic and security concerns.
The dialogue in Dubai reflects India’s pragmatic approach to engaging with the Taliban, despite not formally recognizing their regime. With mutual agreements to maintain regular communication, this interaction underscores the complex dynamics of balancing humanitarian aid, regional security, and geopolitical strategy.