Taliban to appoint first diplomat in Delhi as India, Afghanistan deepen engagement

Taliban to appoint its 1st diplomat in Delhi this month

India and Afghanistan are set to deepen their diplomatic engagement with the Taliban regime, preparing to appoint its first diplomat to India later this month, the first such posting since the group’s return to power in Kabul in August 2021.

According to reports, a second Taliban diplomat is expected to be stationed in New Delhi by late December or early January.

This development in bilateral relations follows the recent visit of Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India last month.

During his visit, New Delhi reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Afghanistan through continued humanitarian and medical aid, even without formally recognizing the Taliban government.

Muttaqi’s trip also marked a breakthrough as India announced plans to upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy and agreed to accept Taliban-appointed diplomats. Both sides are expected to soon have charge d’affaires leading their respective missions.

A Taliban spokesperson on Sunday welcomed India’s latest donation of over 16 tonnes of anti-vector-borne disease medicines, saying: “This latest donation underscores India's longstanding partnership and developmental support to Afghanistan. By contributing essential medical supplies, India reaffirms its role as a reliable partner in promoting health, stability, and humanitarian cooperation in the region.”

The visit also carried political significance, as the Taliban expressed support for India’s sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir, while New Delhi reiterated its backing for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

During Muttaqi's visit to India, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated after Islamabad reportedly carried out cross-border airstrikes targeting TTP camps inside Afghanistan, including in Kabul.

Islamabad said the attacks were aimed at the group’s leadership, which it accused of planning deadly assaults on Pakistani troops.

The renewed engagement comes amid worsening tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan following recent border clashes. Although the two sides have since agreed to a ceasefire, the situation remains fragile, with the Taliban accusing Pakistan of “working to create chaos in Afghanistan” to facilitate a potential U.S. return to the Bagram airbase.