In a significant diplomatic move, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the Taliban’s
acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai on January 8, 2025. This marks the
highest-level engagement between India and the Taliban regime since the latter’s takeover of
Afghanistan in 2021.

The meeting, held in the United Arab Emirates, focused on bolstering humanitarian aid and
exploring avenues for increased trade cooperation. While India has not formally recognized the
Taliban government, the meeting underscores a pragmatic approach to addressing the
humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and maintaining some level of engagement with the de facto
authorities. The two sides agreed to enhance the use of the Iranian port of Chabahar to
facilitate trade and humanitarian aid delivery to Afghanistan.

India pledged to provide further material support to Afghanistan’s health sector and refugee
rehabilitation programs, responding to a direct request from the Afghan delegation. The
commitment includes continued support for development projects alongside existing
humanitarian aid initiatives.

A statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs following the meeting highlighted the Afghan
Minister’s appreciation for India’s ongoing support and engagement. The discussions also
encompassed strengthening cooperation in sports, specifically cricket, reflecting a broader
effort to foster people-to-people connections.
This engagement comes just days after India unequivocally condemned Pakistan’s cross-border
shelling into Afghan territory, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding
Afghanistan.

India’s approach to Afghanistan has claimed an emphasis on ‘humanitarian concerns’ for the
Afghan people. Since 2021, India has provided substantial assistance, including 50,000 metric
tonnes of wheat, 300 tonnes of medicines, 27 tonnes of earthquake relief material, and COVID-
19 vaccines. This commitment to humanitarian aid continues despite the lack of formal
diplomatic recognition of the Taliban government.

The meeting in Dubai builds upon previous, lower-level interactions between Indian officials
and Taliban representatives. In November 2024, J.P. Singh, Joint Secretary in charge of Pakistan,
Iran, and Afghanistan desks, visited Kabul for talks with the Taliban’s acting defence minister.
While India closed its embassy in Kabul in August 2021, it has maintained a “technical team” to
manage ongoing relations and humanitarian efforts. The allowance of a new Afghan Consul
General in Mumbai further indicates a measured approach to navigating the complex situation.