In a major diplomatic revamp since the abrupt exit of US led NATO forces in 2021 and the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban, the Foreign Minister of the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi is on an official visit to India. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Afghanistan counterpart addressed a joint meeting earlier in the day. During the meeting, India and Afghanistan took an indirect and sharp jibe at Pakistan, as both nations expressed shared concerns regarding the threats emanating from across the borders. They also sharply criticized the act of encouraging cross-border terrorism and assured commitment to work together to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
“We have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity; however, these are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism that both our nations face. We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We appreciate your sensitivity towards India’s security concerns, your solidarity,” Jaishankar said during the bilateral discussion. Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar also thanked Afghanistan for strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. Infact, the very effort of India to refurnish the relations with Afghanistan is deemed as a strategic move to counter, tackle and establish deterrence against Pakistan. The relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are at an all-time low and Kabul repeatedly criticizes the atrocities of Islamabad at the borders.
Foreign Minister Muttaqi also assured India that it won’t allow its soil to be used by any group against any other country. Thus a testament to not encourage Pakistan or the terror groups supported by it, to operate from Afghanistan against India. EAM Jaishankar also expressed India’s commitment and support to ensure the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and stability of Afghanistan. Jaishankar also asserted that closer cooperation between New Delhi and Kabul helps to chart regional security, peace and stability. In order to fulfil this goal EAM Jaishankar assured to reopen the technical mission at Kabul and most importantly upgrade it to the status of Embassy of India.
Pleased to meet FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan today in New Delhi.
This visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring India-Afghanistan friendship.
Discussed India’s support for Afghanistan’s development, our bilateral trade,… pic.twitter.com/OLBOiv3gZZ
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 10, 2025
Continued humanitarian assistance
India also assured continued humanitarian assistance in view of the development and prosperity of Afghanistan. For strengthening the health sector of Afghanistan, as a gesture of goodwill, 20 ambulances were gifted from India. As a symbolic step five ambulances were directly given by EAM Jaishankar to his Afghan counterpart. India also delivered CT scan and MRI machines to the hospitals of Afghanistan. Additionally, immunization vaccines and cancer medicines were also rendered. Drug rehabilitation materials were given via the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes channel.
Also handed over 5 Ambulances to FM Muttaqi.
This is part of the larger gift of 20 ambulances, and other medical equipment reflecting our long standing support for Afghan people.
🔗: https://t.co/1tqdAoB4L5 https://t.co/wX1QP5Ms6x pic.twitter.com/5C4OxWhtHp
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 10, 2025
When Afghanistan suffered from massive earthquake recently, India was the first-responder by sending huge material aid.
Scope for mining opportunities in Afghanistan
The Foreign Minister of Afghanistan also assured for increased bilateral and diplomatic exchanges for the sake of mutual benefit and regional resilience. In this direction, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi extended an invitation to the Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan. It includes exploration of mineral and energy. EAM Jaishankar also reciprocated positively for the invitation of the Foreign Minister and asserted that the proposal indeed has scope for further discussions for mutual benefit.
Boosting trade and commerce
EAM Jaishankar and his Afghanistan counterpart also initiated additional flight services between New Delhi and Kabul. Also, shared interests in further accelerating the trade and commerce relations between both the countries. During the press briefing post the meeting with the EAM, Afghan Foreign Minister also spoke about the obstacles in the path of realizing the full trade potential between both the countries. In this direction, FM Muttaqi reiterated that the US should lift the sanctions imposed on the Chabahar port that is vital trade route. “If the routes are closed, it affects trade between India and Pakistan”, said FM Muttaqi.
Afghan Minister also said, “Afghanistan looks at India as a close friend. Afghanistan wants relations based on mutual respect, trade and people-to-people ties”.
