In a significant development that may redefine South Asia’s diplomatic contours, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held formal talks with the Taliban-led administration’s Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai earlier this year. This marks the highest-level official engagement between New Delhi and Kabul since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. The meeting, viewed in both strategic and humanitarian terms, signals India’s recalibrated approach toward Afghanistan and its evolving place in the global geopolitical chessboard.
Diplomacy Rooted in Realism
The meeting, while not indicative of full diplomatic recognition, underscores a pragmatic shift in India’s foreign policy — moving from a stance of studied distance to cautious engagement. As highlighted in The Hindu’s editorial on March 18, 2025 by Chris Fitzgerald, India recognizes that isolating Afghanistan under the Taliban serves neither regional security nor humanitarian interests.
Rather than allowing space for other regional players like China, Pakistan, or Russia to dominate, India appears to be asserting its strategic autonomy by directly engaging with Kabul. India must not allow its legitimate concerns over terrorism and ideological extremism to blind it to the humanitarian crisis facing ordinary Afghans.
The timing of this engagement is not incidental. With the West having largely disengaged from Afghanistan, the region is now in a vacuum. The Taliban, facing increasing economic and diplomatic isolation, are looking for regional partners. India, with its historical ties to the Afghan people, vast experience in development projects, and growing geopolitical clout, is a natural partner — if it can navigate the ideological minefields. Moreover, India’s outreach seems designed to ensure its long-term strategic interests in Afghanistan, particularly in countering Pakistan’s influence and securing access to Central Asia’s resources and markets.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
- Humanitarian and Development Aid – Misri assured the Taliban of India’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid and reconstruction, particularly in areas like health and education. India had earlier supplied wheat, COVID-19 vaccines, and essential medicines to Afghanistan under UN auspices.
- Security Assurances – A major point of discussion was India’s long-standing concern over Afghanistan being used as a base for anti-India activities. The Taliban reportedly reiterated their earlier assurances that Afghan soil would not be used against India — a pledge that India will undoubtedly monitor closely.
- Economic and Trade Connectivity – Both sides discussed enhancing trade through the Chabahar Port in Iran, an Indian-backed project that offers Afghanistan an alternative to Pakistan’s ports. Greater trade cooperation could potentially stabilize Afghanistan’s economy and serve India’s interest in regional connectivity.
- Soft Diplomacy through Sports and Culture – In a rare move, the two sides explored cooperation in sports, especially cricket. This not only signals goodwill but also leverages Afghanistan’s cultural affinity with India, particularly among the youth.
Human Rights Concerns and Global Implications
India’s engagement with the Taliban comes with a significant moral challenge the regime’s continued suppression of women’s rights and civil liberties. The Taliban’s restrictions on girls’ education and women’s participation in public life remain a major point of international criticism. India must ensure its development-focused approach does not appear as silent endorsement of the Taliban’s regressive policies. Balancing humanitarian assistance with a firm stance on human rights will be key to maintaining credibility both domestically and globally.
On the international stage, this engagement positions India as a proactive regional player filling the diplomatic void left by Western powers. It allows New Delhi to counterbalance rivals like China and Pakistan while asserting its influence in Afghanistan’s reconstruction. The move also strengthens India’s image as a responsible power willing to lead on humanitarian grounds without compromising on security concerns. However, India’s credibility will depend on how it aligns its strategic objectives with its democratic values in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
Sources:
- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/
- https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-foreign-secy-vikram-misri-meets-afghanistan-fm-muttaqi-taliban-9767532
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-a-first-foreign-secretary-engages-taliban-india-may-restart-development-projects/articleshow/117063089.cms
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