An important turning point in South Asian geopolitics is anticipated with the impending visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India, which represents a historic diplomatic breakthrough. This will be the first high-level visit to New Delhi by a Taliban commander since the group took over Afghanistan in August 2021, and it is planned for October 9–16.
Muttaqi’s temporary reprieve from his travel restrictions by the UN Security Council underscores the importance of this diplomatic engagement on a global scale.
Months of private discussions have been used by Indian officials to prepare the basis for this visit. Senior diplomat JP Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have met with Taliban leaders on several occasions in neutral locations like Dubai.
India’s humanitarian aid, refugee rehabilitation, and infrastructure collaboration were the main topics of these talks, indicating New Delhi’s intention to establish meaningful involvement even in the absence of official recognition of the Taliban government.
Shortly after India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, on May 15, the breakthrough occurred. Muttaqi had his first ministerial-level conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar since 2021.
Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the Taliban regime for denouncing the Pahalgam terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir during the discussion. An important turning point in India-Taliban relations was reached with this unified denunciation of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, which paved the way for official interaction.
Even after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, India has continued to provide humanitarian assistance. Nearly 50,000 tons of wheat, 330 tons of medications and vaccinations, 40,000 liters of insecticides, and other essential supplies have been delivered by New Delhi since August 2021.
India was one of the first countries to respond to the disastrous September 2025 earthquake, providing 1,000 family tents, 15 tons of food supplies, and later 21 tons of help, including hygiene kits and generators. India’s standing as a trustworthy partner in Afghanistan’s crisis management has been strengthened by these consistent efforts.
Analysts note that Pakistan has suffered a significant setback with this visit. Islamabad has been a major player in Afghan affairs for many years, but its tactics of forcible refugee expulsions earlier this year, which affected over 80,000 Afghans, damaged relations with Kabul.
The Taliban’s increasing outreach to New Delhi indicates that Kabul is actively diversifying its relationships with regional powers while lowering its reliance on Pakistan. At the same time, this change gives India more room to offset Pakistan’s impact.
There are chances and risks for India in dealing with the Taliban. On the one hand, India is extremely concerned about the Taliban’s human rights violations and terrorism coming from Afghanistan. However, in order to safeguard Indian development investments, curtail Pakistan’s influence, and stop Afghanistan from fully turning toward China, strategic realities necessitate active engagement.
While cautiously stepping up political talks with Kabul, India presents itself as a positive partner to average Afghans by expanding collaboration in infrastructure development, energy support, and humanitarian help.
A new basis for cautious cooperation between India and Afghanistan may be established by the bilateral meeting that is planned for October 10 during Muttaqi’s visit. Even though New Delhi is unlikely to give the Taliban government official recognition right now, continued contact shows that it recognizes the political situation on the ground.
If the negotiations go well, this visit might be the start of a larger reorientation in South Asia, where India becomes a key actor influencing Afghanistan’s future outside of Pakistan’s conventional area of influence.
