Explained: Recent Developments in India-Afghanistan Ties

India and Afghanistan have long shared strong cultural, traditional and political ties. However, the India-Afghanistan diplomatic ties have undergone significant transition since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021. India has not officially recognized the Taliban government but has maintained a pragmatic approach to safeguard its interests in the region. 

In a notable recent diplomatic move, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs of India,  J.P. Singh led an official Indian delegation to Kabul on 4-5 November, 2024. The delegation also met with key Taliban leaders, including Acting Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai. This meeting marked the first official interaction between an Indian diplomat and the Taliban’s leadership since their return to power in 2021.

Following the diplomatic visit, the Taliban appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as its acting consul in Mumbai. Kamil, who holds  PhD from South Asia University in New Delhi, is set to be the first Taliban official to represent the regime in India. The appointment is under consideration by the Indian government, and no official recognition has been granted yet.

The Indian government has not made any official statement recognizing the Taliban government or the consular appointment. However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson mentioned that the delegation’s discussions included India’s humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and the use of the Chabahar Port in Iran by Afghan traders.

Indian media reported that the Taliban has requested the appointment of its nominee as the “Second Secretary” at the Mumbai consulate.

India’s recent diplomatic interactions with the Taliban highlight a pragmatic approach to managing the complex geopolitical dynamics of South Asia. While India’s official position remains consistent, the evolving engagement signals a strategic effort to safeguard its interests in Afghanistan.

These developments emphasize the need to closely observe future exchanges between India and the Taliban, as they are poised to impact regional security and diplomacy significantly.