Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi of the Taliban government is set to visit India on October 9, marking the first high-level visit from Kabul to New Delhi since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has approved a temporary travel exemption for Muttaqi from October 9 to 16, recognising the importance of the visit for Afghanistan and the region.

Indian officials have been preparing for this visit for months. Since January 2025, senior diplomats, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, have met with Muttaqi and other Taliban leaders in neutral locations such as Dubai. In May, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to Muttaqi after India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, marking the first ministerial-level contact since 2021. During the discussion, Jaishankar thanked the Taliban for condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and reaffirmed India’s friendship with the Afghan people.

Taliban’s stand for India 

In April 2025, the Taliban condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir during a meeting with Indian officials in Kabul. This was seen as a positive development, showing that India and Afghanistan were aligned in countering Pakistan-backed terrorism.

India’s humanitarian support

India has continued to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. After the September earthquake, India was among the first countries to respond, sending 1,000 family tents and 15 tonnes of food. Later, an additional 21 tonnes of relief material, including medicines, hygiene kits, blankets, and generators, were delivered. Since 2021, India has supplied nearly 50,000 tonnes of wheat, over 330 tonnes of medicines and vaccines, and 40,000 litres of pesticides, supporting millions of Afghans in need.

Purpose of Muttaqi’s visit

Muttaqi’s visit is also being closely watched for its strategic implications. It is seen as a setback for Pakistan, which has traditionally had a strong influence over Kabul. Relations between Islamabad and the Taliban were strained earlier this year after Pakistan deported more than 80,000 Afghan refugees, allowing India to expand its role. Analysts say the visit showsAfghanistan’s intent to diversify its foreign ties and reduce reliance on Pakistan. For India, engaging directly with the Taliban helps safeguard security interests, counter terror threats, and balance Pakistan and China’s influence in the region.