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The UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee has temporarily lifted the travel restrictions imposed on Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, enabling him to visit India from October 9 to October 16, according to India’s foreign ministry. If officially confirmed, this would mark the first high-level visit by a senior Taliban leader to India since the Islamist group took control of Afghanistan in 2021, ending two decades of US military intervention.
Historically, India and Afghanistan maintained strong diplomatic and economic relations prior to the Taliban’s return. Muttaqi, who is under UN sanctions—including travel bans and asset freezes—sometimes receives temporary exemptions for diplomatic reasons.
An Indian foreign ministry spokesperson stated that India has already been engaging with the Afghan authorities, especially after supporting Afghanistan following the devastating earthquake on August 31. However, the spokesperson did not explicitly confirm the scheduled visit.
During his trip, discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, increasing trade, exporting dried fruits, improving health sector cooperation, consular services, and port logistics, according to Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban’s foreign ministry. The exact dates of the visit remain unannounced.
Media outlets from India and Afghanistan have reported that Muttaqi may travel to Russia prior to arriving in New Delhi. In Moscow, he is anticipated to meet with officials from Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Central Asian nations to discuss Afghanistan’s current situation.
Political analyst Hekmatullah Hekmat emphasized the importance of Muttaqi’s planned visit to India for the Taliban government. “Afghanistan needs to reestablish relations with neighboring countries and regional powers. Building political, economic, and trade connections is essential, especially in gaining international recognition,” he said. Currently, only Russia has officially recognized the Taliban government. India shut its embassy in Kabul in 2021 but opened a technical mission the following year to coordinate humanitarian efforts.
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