In a significant meeting on January 8, 2025, India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, held talks in Dubai focused on enhancing bilateral relations, addressing regional security concerns, and promoting economic cooperation. A key aspect of the discussions was the strategic Chabahar port, which plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
Chabahar Port: A Gateway for Trade and Humanitarian Support
One of the main outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to strengthen trade and commerce between the two countries, particularly by increasing the use of Chabahar port. Located on Iran’s southeastern coast, Chabahar port offers Afghanistan an alternative and shorter trade route to the sea, bypassing the often difficult and politically sensitive routes through Pakistan.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two sides agreed to promote “the use of Chabahar port for supporting trade and commercial activities, including for the purpose of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.” This highlights India’s ongoing commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s economic growth and stability, while also facilitating vital humanitarian aid.
India’s Humanitarian Commitment: Ongoing Support to Afghanistan
The statement further detailed India’s continuing commitment to assisting Afghanistan’s development and humanitarian needs. India has consistently provided vital aid to Afghanistan, including over 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat, 300 tonnes of medicines, 27 tonnes of earthquake relief material, 40,000 litres of pesticides, and millions of vaccines. In the latest talks, India reiterated its dedication to continue providing support to Afghanistan’s health sector and the rehabilitation of refugees.
And mentioned that India would “consider engaging in development projects in the near future” in addition to its ongoing humanitarian assistance programs. This reflects India’s deepening involvement in Afghanistan’s recovery, particularly as the country grapples with both economic hardship and the need for long-term development.
Security Cooperation: Addressing Regional Concerns
In the context of regional security, Foreign Secretary Misri emphasized India’s historic ties with the Afghan people, noting that India is committed to responding to Afghanistan’s urgent developmental needs. The statement also highlighted that India’s primary security concern is preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for anti-India terrorist groups. Both sides acknowledged the importance of counterterrorism cooperation, with Afghanistan expressing its sensitivity to India’s security concerns.
The ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan were also discussed, particularly regarding the situation along the Durand Line. Both countries are aware of the complex security dynamics at play, but Afghanistan reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding regional stability and addressing shared security challenges.
A Vision for Continued Engagement and Cooperation
It underscored that this meeting marks a continued and important phase of India’s engagement with Afghanistan, even as the latter navigates complex political realities. Both countries agreed to remain in regular touch to explore further avenues for cooperation.
Additionally, discussions on sports—particularly cricket—also took place. Afghanistan’s cricketing success, supported by India, continues to be a symbol of the strong people-to-people ties between the nations, further reinforcing the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship.
India’s Support: A Steady Partner for Afghanistan
Despite not formally recognizing the Taliban-led government, India has shown a pragmatic approach by prioritizing humanitarian aid and development projects to support the Afghan people. This meeting underscores India’s consistent and strategic engagement with Afghanistan, which has been guided by a focus on stability, development, and humanitarian assistance.
The statement concluded by reaffirming India’s readiness to continue assisting Afghanistan, with both countries agreeing to explore future collaboration across multiple sectors.