India-Taliban Engagement: S Jaishankar Thanks Muttaqi for Condemning Pahalgam Attack
Tawazon – In a significant diplomatic development, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation on Thursday with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban administration in Afghanistan. This marks the first formal ministerial-level engagement between India and the Taliban since the group assumed power in Afghanistan in 2021.
According to reports, during the call, Jaishankar appreciated the Taliban’s strong condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He welcomed Muttaqi’s efforts to counter attempts aimed at sowing distrust between India and Afghanistan.
Jaishankar emphasized the longstanding friendship between the peoples of India and Afghanistan and reaffirmed New Delhi’s continued commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s developmental needs.
The two ministers exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, transit, and development. Muttaqi urged India to facilitate visa access for Afghan traders and patients and called for the release and repatriation of Afghan prisoners currently held in India.
Both sides underscored the importance of developing the Chabahar Port in Iran as a vital alternative trade corridor that could benefit Afghanistan’s regional connectivity and economic integration.
This conversation took place amidst allegations from certain Pakistani media outlets suggesting Taliban involvement in the Pahalgam attack. Jaishankar acknowledged and welcomed Muttaqi’s categorical rejection of such claims, which he described as baseless and inaccurate.
Although India has not officially recognized the Taliban government, this phone call reflects a pragmatic shift in New Delhi’s regional policy. It signals India’s intent to maintain diplomatic space and strategic influence in Afghanistan amid evolving geopolitical realities.
The engagement comes at a time when relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have become increasingly strained due to border tensions and concerns over militant activity. In contrast, India appears to be fostering constructive ties with Kabul to safeguard its regional interests and prevent any hostile use of Afghan territory.
