India Engages in First Talks with Taliban Officials

In a historic move, India engaged in its first official talks with the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, as MEA Joint Secretary J.P. Singh met with the Taliban's acting Defence Minister, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, in Kabul. This meeting marks a significant step in India's diplomatic relations with Afghanistan under Taliban rule, focusing on expanding bilateral ties and increasing humanitarian aid. Singh also held discussions with acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian cooperation and potential reconstruction efforts. Despite not formally recognizing the regime, India appears ready to deepen its involvement while the Taliban have urged India to accept a diplomatic envoy from their administration. The Indian delegation's visit is seen as an effort to ensure Afghan territory is not used against India and to explore cooperation in defense and other sectors.