Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to visit India on October 10, after the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) approved a waiver to allow him to travel despite international restrictions. Before arriving in New Delhi, he is scheduled to travel to Moscow on October 6.
The visit, if confirmed, would mark the first high-level trip by a Taliban official to India since the group seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021. The last Afghan leader to travel to New Delhi was then-President Ashraf Ghani, shortly before his government collapsed.
Meanwhile, reports in Hasht-e Subh Daily, an independent Afghan newspaper, have suggested that changes are imminent within the Taliban’s leadership, particularly in the security sector. Rumours point to the possible removal of the interior minister, but no official confirmation has been issued.
Indian officials have stressed that any contact with Taliban representatives is part of New Delhi’s cautious, step-by-step engagement with the regime. India has not extended diplomatic recognition to the Taliban government. However, it maintains a technical mission in Kabul and has been involved in multiple rounds of discussions with Taliban leaders at different venues. Earlier this year, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior officials met Muttaqi and other representatives in Dubai.
India has also continued humanitarian aid efforts in Afghanistan, including food supplies, refugee assistance, and support to the health sector. A key moment in recent ties came earlier this year after Operation Sindoor, when External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation with Muttaqi. During the call, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s historical links with the Afghan people and reiterated New Delhi’s willingness to remain engaged.
Separately, Afghanistan saw internet and cell phone services restored on Wednesday after a 48-hour blackout ordered by the Taliban administration. The abrupt disruption had paralysed remittances, trade with neighbouring countries, banking operations, and air travel.
While the Taliban gave no explanation for the outage or its restoration, reports indicated that technical reasons may have been behind the suspension. The disruption added to the daily struggles of Afghans already coping with political uncertainty and economic hardship.
Muttaqi’s anticipated visit will be closely watched in the region as both India and Afghanistan navigate a complex phase in their engagement.
