'Have removed all anti-India terror groups from Afghanistan': Taliban's Muttaqi assures New Delhi

In a strong assurance to New Delhi, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi declared that Afghanistan has been “cleared of anti-India terror groups,” insisting that “not a single terrorist outfit" now operates in the country. Speaking after talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, Muttaqi emphasised, “There is not a single terror group in Afghanistan. We have removed anti-India terror groups from Afghanistan.”

The statement, the most emphatic yet from the Taliban on India’s security concerns, was also reflected in the India–Afghanistan Joint Statement. It noted that Kabul had reiterated its commitment not to allow any group or individual to use Afghan territory against India. “Both sides unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism emanating from regional countries,” the statement said, adding, “They underscored the importance of promoting peace, stability, and mutual trust in the region.”

Jaishankar welcomed Afghanistan’s condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir and thanked Kabul for its solidarity with the Indian people, while appreciating the Taliban administration’s “understanding of India’s security concerns.”

The meeting signals a significant shift in Kabul’s approach as the Taliban seeks to re-engage diplomatically with India, a long-standing development partner. Jaishankar announced an expansion of Indian assistance in healthcare, infrastructure, and capacity-building, including a 30-bed hospital, a Thalassemia Centre, an Oncology and Trauma Centre, and five maternity clinics across Afghan provinces. India also gifted 20 ambulances, pledged ongoing medical treatment and scholarships for Afghan nationals, and reaffirmed support for reconstruction efforts following the recent earthquake in Nangarhar and Kunar.