Summary
Afghanistan's foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, visited India, marking the first high-level visit by a Taliban leader since 2021. This visit was allowed by a UN travel waiver and will focus on discussions about trade and security. India has not formally recognized the Taliban government, but this trip highlights Afghanistan's efforts to strengthen relationships with regional powers.
Key Facts
- Amir Khan Muttaqi is Afghanistan's foreign minister under the Taliban government.
- This is the first visit by a senior Taliban leader to India since they regained power in 2021.
- The UN granted Muttaqi a travel waiver to make this visit possible.
- India and Afghanistan are expected to discuss trade and security during this visit.
- India has not officially recognized the Taliban government yet.
- Russia is the only country that has officially recognized the Taliban administration.
- Muttaqi's visit to India follows a regional meeting in Moscow, where multiple countries expressed opposition to foreign military bases in Afghanistan.
- Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi closed in 2023, but some consulates continue to offer limited services.
