India-Taliban Engagement: Dubai Meeting Strengthens India's Diplomatic Contact With Afghanistan

In a first since the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan, India’s foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, on Wednesday met Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai, conveying a message for resumption of increased diplomatic engagement with the neighbouring country, which was significantly affected after 2021.

India’s enhanced engagement with Afghanistan ruling dispensation comes after the latter’s recent deterioration of relationship with Pakistan. The recent border issues have intensified tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leading to military actions. However, following the meeting, reports have been coming out regarding the discussions India’s officials conducted with Taliban officials, suggesting positive development.

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The first high-level official engagement between India and Taliban officials also discussed various issues pertaining to bilateral relations and regional development, including India’s security concerns and the country’s support for the rehabilitation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, in addition to cricketing ties between the two countries. The discussion also extended to the promotion of the use of Chabahar port to support trade and commercial activities.

Iran’s Chabahar port, which is operated by India, is significant for Afghanistan as it would serve as an alternative to Pakistan, allowing India to send goods directly. The port can help Afghanistan’s development activities, increase connectivity, and supply humanitarian aid, among other things.

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After the Dubai meeting, the Taliban’s foreign office said they perceive India as a significant regional and economic partner. Indian officials have also conveyed readiness to address the urgent development needs of Afghanistan on the assurance that the ruling Taliban would not allow their territory to be used against India.

Notably, India had earlier this week slammed Pakistan, condemning its airstrikes on Afghanistan, noting that it is Islamabad’s old practice to blame its neighbours for its internal failures.

“We have noted the media reports on airstrikes on Afghan civilians, including women and children, in which several precious lives have been lost. We unequivocally condemn any attack on innocent civilians,” Indian government spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Monday.

Despite having the talks and solidarity with the neighbouring country in Pakistan’s recurrent attacks on its soil, India is yet to officially recognise the Taliban, which was reflected when the Mumbai consulate recently did not permit the officer with a Taliban flag, instead asking him to use the old flag of the Republic of Afghanistan.