Indian minister thanks Afghan Taliban for support

NEW DELHI: In a significant diplomatic development, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a direct phone conversation with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban regime, marking New Delhi’s first minister-level contact with the Afghan government since its takeover in 2021.

The call comes after the Taliban condemned a recent attack in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians lost their lives.

Jaishankar publicly appreciated the Taliban’s gesture, stating on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that he discussed traditional ties with the Afghan people and reiterated India’s continued support for their development needs. “Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward,” he posted.

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According to a Taliban readout, the two sides talked about visa facilitation for Afghan citizens seeking medical treatment in India, increased trade cooperation, and the repatriation of Afghan prisoners from Indian jails.

The ongoing development of Iran’s Chabahar Port — a project viewed with suspicion in Islamabad — was also on the agenda.

Amir Khan Muttaqi referred to India as “a key regional country” and voiced optimism about strengthening relations between Kabul and New Delhi.

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Pakistan, which has historically played a leading role in Afghan affairs, has so far not officially reacted to the conversation.