Our Bureau
New Delhi
In an official phone conversation with Taliban led Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar wrote a new chapter in regional dynamics. The call is significant since it is India’s first outreach to the Taliban government in Afghanistan at the ministerial level.
Jaishankar appreciated Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi’s condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 innocent civilians.
Further, Jaishankar welcomed Muttaqi firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports, including recent allegations by Pakistan of India launching missile strikes on Afghan territory.
In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Good conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this evening. Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.”
“Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continuing support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward,” he added.
Both leaders also emphasised the importance of enhancing economic ties, with particular focus on developing the Chabahar Port, facilitating visas for Afghan traders and patients, and addressing the issue of Afghan prisoners in India.
Sharing a post on X, Consulate General of Afghanistan in Mumbai wrote, “The Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, held a telephonic conversation with Dr. S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister of India. During the discussion, both sides exchanged views on enhancing bilateral relations, promoting trade, and advancing diplomatic engagement.
“FM Muttaqi referred to India as a key regional country and highlighted the historic nature of Afghanistan-India relations, expressing optimism that these ties will grow stronger. He also reiterated Afghanistan’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy and the pursuit of constructive relations with all nations. In the conversation, FM Muttaqi requested facilitation in issuing visas for Afghan traders and patients, and called for the release and return of Afghan prisoners currently held in India,” the post added.
The post further said, “EAM Dr. Jaishankar echoed the view that India shares historic ties with Afghanistan and reaffirmed India’s intention to continue its cooperation with the country. He underlined the importance of collaboration in political and economic spheres. Dr. Jaishankar also assured prompt attention to the issue of Afghan prisoners and pledged to streamline the visa process. Additionally, both sides emphasised on the development of the Chabahar Port.”
