Afghanistan’s Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in India today for an eight-day visit. In his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the two discussed key regional issues, including the threat of terrorism.
Jaishankar addressed the need for both nations to “coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations”, also expressing appreciation for Afghanistan’s solidarity with India following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Jaishankar also announced that India would upgrade its existing “technical mission” in Kabul to a fully functioning embassy. This is aimed at normalising ties with the Taliban government, which marks a major step towards reopening India’s embassy in Afghanistan, four years after it was shut down following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
Welcoming the Taliban-led delegation, Jaishankar described the visit as an “important step” in strengthening bilateral ties and reaffirming the “enduring friendship” between India and Afghanistan.
During his visit, he will also travel to Agra and the Deoband seminary and meet members of the Afghan community living in India. This marks the first-ever visit by a Taliban foreign minister to India, a major moment that signals New Delhi’s evolving approach toward the Taliban government.
India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to be upgraded
In an important diplomatic step, India on Friday also announced that its Technical Mission in Kabul will now be upgraded to a status of full Embassy of India. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made the announcement during his meeting with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and his delegation.
“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan… To enhance that, I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India,” Jaishankar said in his opening statement.
India acknowledges Afghanistan’s support during Pahalgam terror attack
Jaishankar also thanked Afghanistan for standing with India after the Pahalgam terror attack and for showing understanding of India’s security concerns. “We appreciate your sensitivity to India’s security concerns after the Pahalgam terror attack. India remains fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of the Afghan people,” the EAM said. Jaishankar noted that they had earlier spoken after the Pahalgam attack and again following the earthquake in Kunar and Nangarhar. Meeting in person, he added, was valuable for sharing views, finding common ground, and building closer cooperation.
‘We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism’: Jaishankar to Muttaqi
Speaking about cross-border terrorism as a common challenge for both India and Afghanistan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said, “We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
He also mentioned that India’s food assistance to Afghanistan is continuing, with a new consignment reaching Kabul today.
Among India’s new commitments are aid for areas affected by recent earthquakes, including rebuilding homes, as well as support for Afghan refugees who have been forced to return — such as constructing new houses and providing essential materials.
Afghanistan invites India to explore mining opportunities
In a positive sign for growing ties, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi invited Indian companies to invest in Afghanistan’s mining sector, which is believed to have large reserves of valuable minerals such as copper, iron, gold, lithium, and rare earth elements. Jaishankar welcomed the proposal and said India is open to discussing it further. “Your invitation is deeply appreciated. This can be discussed further. We share a strong interest in boosting trade and commerce,” he said. He also highlighted the start of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi, which will help strengthen connectivity.
Muttaqi calls India a ‘close-friend’
Talibam FM Muttaqi described India as a “close friend” during his meeting with Jaishankar. He also thanked India for helping Afghanistan during the recent earthquake. He added that the countries should build relations based on mutual respect, trade and people-to-people connections.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for Afghanistan’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity”. He added that closer cooperation between the two countries would contribute to regional stability.
“As a neighbouring country and well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress,” Jaishankar said.