India Engages Taliban in High-Level Talks on Trade, Health, and Chabahar Port

Jan 12, 2025, 06:07 AM

India has initiated high-level diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, signaling a shift in its approach toward Afghanistan. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai, marking the first such bilateral engagement since the Taliban's takeover in 2021. The discussions focused on regional developments, trade, humanitarian cooperation, resuming developmental projects, health sector support, refugee rehabilitation, and the use of Iran's Chabahar port for trade. The Taliban described India as a "significant regional and economic partner." This engagement follows India's condemnation of recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, which killed civilians, and comes amid strained Pakistan-Taliban relations. Analysts suggest India is seeking to regain influence in Afghanistan, counter China's growing presence, and stabilize ties with the Taliban without extending formal recognition. The meeting also aligns with India's broader strategy to strengthen regional connectivity, including the use of Iran's Chabahar port for trade. Meanwhile, the Taliban's growing rift with Pakistan has created opportunities for India to expand its role in Afghanistan.