Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Visit India

Afghanistan’s Taliban foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is set to visit India for the first time this month following a temporary lift of his travel ban by the UN Security Council Committee. The visit marks a significant diplomatic move, as it will be the first time a senior Taliban official has traveled to India since the group regained power in August 2021.

According to Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, the trip will occur after the Moscow summit on October 7, which is expected to include representatives from China, India, Iran, and several Central Asian countries. The UN Security Council granted an exemption to the travel ban on Muttaqi, who is currently under UN sanctions, allowing him to visit New Delhi between October 9 and October 16.

Significance of the Visit

This visit holds potential implications for Afghanistan’s foreign relations, particularly with India, a country that has been cautious in its dealings with the Taliban. India’s point-person on Afghanistan, Anand Prakash, previously visited Kabul in April to engage in discussions concerning political and trade relations.

Despite the Taliban’s strict enforcement of Islamic law, the group has recently expressed a desire to foster positive relationships with various nations, including the United States, even in the wake of the two-decade conflict involving US-led forces. This diplomatic outreach comes at a time when the Taliban has released several American and British prisoners, indicating a possible shift towards international engagement.

Concerns and Context

Most countries currently advise against travel to Afghanistan due to ongoing security concerns. The announcement of Muttaqi’s visit follows a recent incident where Taliban authorities imposed a 48-hour blackout on internet and mobile networks across the country. As of now, there has been no official explanation provided regarding the rationale behind this telecommunications disruption.

Russia stands as the only nation to have officially recognized the Taliban government. This recognition, however, does not appear to have significantly altered the landscape of international relations for Afghanistan, with many nations remaining hesitant to engage fully. As the dynamics continue to evolve, the outcome of Muttaqi’s visit may shed light on the future of Afghanistan’s foreign policy.