India Accepts Taliban Diplomat in Delhi, Marking New Chapter in Afghanistan Relations
India is set to host its first Taliban-appointed diplomat in New Delhi since the group’s 2021 takeover of Afghanistan, signaling cautious normalization of bilateral ties. The move follows a high-profile visit by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India in October 2025, during which both sides agreed to enhance diplomatic and humanitarian cooperation. Despite not formally recognizing the Taliban government, India has pledged continued aid to Afghanistan and upgraded its Kabul mission, reflecting shifting regional dynamics and mutual strategic interests.
The article highlights a significant diplomatic shift as India prepares to accept the first Taliban-appointed diplomat in New Delhi since the group’s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021. This development comes after a visit by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India in October 2025, marking the first high-level engagement between the two sides since the Taliban takeover. During the visit, India announced plans to upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy and agreed to host accredited Taliban diplomats, indicating a tentative but notable warming of relations. Although India has not officially recognized the Taliban government, it has reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian aid, including over 16 tonnes of anti-vector-borne disease medicines, and has described itself as a reliable partner for Afghanistan’s development. The diplomatic thaw is partly driven by shared concerns over Pakistan’s regional assertiveness, which has created a rare strategic convergence between India and the Taliban. The article also notes the broader context of deteriorating ties between Kabul and Islamabad, further complicating regional geopolitics. While the move has sparked domestic debate about the balance between engagement and principle, it underscores India’s pragmatic approach to safeguarding its interests and influence in a rapidly changing South Asian landscape.
