In a first, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke toa on Thursday. Despite Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri crossing paths with Muttaqi in Dubai this January, the Indian EAM’s first-ever conversation with his Afghan counterpart marks a significant step towards political diplomacy between the countries since the Taliban claimed power in Kabul in 2021.

The conversation, focussing on bilateral relations, trade and diplomatic ties, was fuelled by talks around the India-Pakistan conflict including Pakistani reports of Indian missiles hitting Afghanistan. India had already slammed the claim as “ludicrous.”

ALSO READ

India and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan in talks amid Pakistan tensions

Consequently, Jaishankar took to his official X profile to issue updates on the India-Afghanistan phone conversation. “Good conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this evening. Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack,” he wrote on the social media platform. “Welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between Indian and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.”

The Indian External Affairs Minister added, “Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continuing support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward.”

Afghanistan on Jaishankar-Muttaqi talks

Similarly, the Taliban Foreign Ministry revealed their official stance, saying, “The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, held a telephone conversation with the Minister of External Affairs of India, Mr Jaishankar.”

The post further underlined that Jaishankar and Muttaqi’s conversation focussed on “strengthening bilateral relations, elevating the level of diplomatic ties.” The Afghan Foreign Minister has since described India as “an important regional country,” highlighting the “historical ties with Afghanistan.” Hope of further consolidating relations between the countries were expressed during the exchange, as an emphasis was put on “maintaining positive relations with all parties through a balanced policy.”

On behalf of Muttaqi, the Taliban-ruled Foreign Ministry then shifted focus to visas, adding, “Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi also requested facilitation of Indian visas for Afghan traders and patients, as well as the release and repatriation of Afghan prisoners in India.” The update also foregrounded Jaishankar’s acknowledgment of the historical ties both countries share, as continued cooperation between the two was promised in terms of jointly working to uplift political and economic areas.

ALSO READ

“Mr. Jaishankar further committed to promptly addressing the issue of prisoners and facilitating visa procedures. Both sides also stressed the development of the Chabahar Port,” the Ministry emphasised.

Pahalgam attack condemned

From the Afghan side, spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi had already condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack prior to the recent conversation. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically condemns the recent attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses condolences to the bereaved families,” he said, noting that “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically condemns the recent attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses condolences to the bereaved families.”

Even though India hasn’t granted recognition to Taliban’s presence in Afghanistan, ties between the two sides have been in focus since the outfit took charge on August 16, 2021. With India focussed on Afghan people’s wellbeing, the country has provided humanitarian and development aid.