UNSC Lifts Ban for Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister's Historic India Visit Amid Aid Efforts

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister, is set to make a historic visit to India, marking the first high-level engagement between the two since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. This visit follows a temporary exemption granted by the United Nations Security Council Committee, lifting travel restrictions imposed on Muttaqi due to UN sanctions. India has maintained humanitarian aid efforts in Afghanistan, especially following a recent earthquake, while also pursuing diplomatic dialogue with the Taliban government through a technical mission. Before visiting New Delhi, Muttaqi is expected to travel to Russia to discuss Afghanistan's situation with regional powers including Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Central Asian countries. Analysts emphasize the importance of this visit for Afghanistan's efforts to build political, economic, and trade ties with neighboring countries and seek broader international recognition, of which Russia is currently the only nation to officially recognize the Taliban government. India's engagement signals a cautious but significant step toward reestablishing bilateral relations amid complex geopolitical dynamics.