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Afghan Taliban FM Likely to Visit India After UN Travel Ban Suspension

First high-level Afghan visit since 2021 comes as Pakistan upgrades ties with Kabul
Published: Oct 03, 2025 | 11:59 PM

KABUL: Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to visit India between October 9 and 16, India’s foreign ministry confirmed on Friday, following a temporary suspension of his UN-imposed travel ban.

If confirmed, it would be the first visit to India by a senior Taliban official since the group seized power in 2021 after the end of US military presence in Afghanistan.

Muttaqi, like several Taliban leaders, has been under UN sanctions including travel restrictions and asset freezes. Limited exemptions are granted for diplomatic engagements.

India’s foreign ministry spokesperson said New Delhi had maintained contact with the Afghan administration and extended humanitarian support after the August 31 earthquake, but declined to confirm exact travel dates.

Afghan deputy spokesperson Zia Ahmad Takal said discussions would focus on trade, healthcare, consular services, dry fruit exports, and access to ports. He also refrained from confirming the schedule.

Media reports in both countries suggest Muttaqi will first stop in Russia before heading to New Delhi for talks involving officials from Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Central Asian nations.

Analyst Hekmatullah Hekmat called the visit “highly significant,” saying Afghanistan urgently needs to strengthen regional ties to secure political and economic recognition.

So far, only Russia has formally recognised the Taliban government. India closed its Kabul embassy in 2021 but reopened a limited technical mission last year to manage humanitarian operations.

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Pakistan Confirms Upgrade in Ties with Taliban Government

Meanwhile, Pakistan said it has officially elevated its diplomatic ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers.

Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said both countries had mutually agreed to upgrade their chargés d’affaires to full ambassadors.

“The upgradation has taken place. No further action is required. There is no need to present credentials,” he said, affirming Islamabad’s position amid growing regional engagement with Kabul.

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