Amir Khan Muttaqi's Visit to India — Diplomatic Balance Between Hope and Risk

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi being welcomed by his Indian counterpart Dr S. Jaishakar in New Delhi (BNA)

By Ahmad Wali Mujeeb | @ahmadwalimujeeb

KABUL, 15 Oct 2025: The visit of the Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India is seen as an extraordinary development in the diplomatic landscape. Though Pakistan does not seem to be happy with it.

This visit took place at a time when border clashes and airstrikes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have severely heightened regional tensions.

The meetings held in Delhi not only opened a new chapter in Afghan-Indian relations but also highlighted the Taliban government's new direction in regional strategy. Through this, Kabul sent a clear message that it is pursuing diversity, sovereignty, and balance in its foreign policy.

Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and other senior officials in New Delhi. The discussions advanced on issues such as bilateral trade, humanitarian cooperation, and the restoration of educational ties.

According to sources serious consideration was also given to the resumption of direct flights between Kabul and Delhi, raising hopes for renewed public interactions and business relations.

Diplomatic and Political Benefits for Afghanistan

This visit produced positive outcomes for Afghanistan on multiple fronts. On one hand, Kabul got an opportunity to pave the way for international political acceptance, while on the other hand, restoring relations with a major country like India increased the prospects for regional balance.

Political analysts say the Taliban government aimed through this visit to send the message that it would no longer rely on a single country or bloc but intends to establish purposeful relations with all neighboring and regional countries under a multilateral foreign policy. This strategy not only grants Kabul diplomatic sovereignty but also creates new opportunities for economic and humanitarian cooperation.

Opening Educational Doors for Afghan Students

A prominent aspect of this visit was the discussion on educational cooperation. Indian officials hinted at increasing opportunities for gifted Afghan students to access higher modern education. Similarly, the renowned South Asian religious seminary دارالعلوم دیوبند has also expressed willingness to open its doors to Afghan students, providing them opportunities for both contemporary and advanced religious education. This progress could mark a significant milestone in Afghanistan’s intellectual and scholarly stability.

Regional Context: Political Balance or Proxy Threats?

The visit took place amidst unusually tense relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Cross-border airstrikes by Pakistan and retaliatory attacks by Afghan forces on Pakistani posts have significantly heightened tensions.

Pakistan has accused the Afghan government of providing safe havens to Baloch insurgents and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants. This stance has been reiterated not only nationally but also in international forums, including the UN Security Council.

For the first time, accusations have also emerged from the Afghan Taliban against Pakistan. The Taliban government spokesperson stated:

“ISIS (Daesh) centers are located in Pakistan, and some government circles support this group.”

According to them, ISIS is involved not only in Afghanistan but also in attacks in Iran and other regional countries, with links to operations originating from Pakistani soil.

Political analysts in Kabul view this situation as an increasing proxy threat rather than a political balance. They warn that if this narrative continues, the region could once again fall into a cycle of mutual accusations and a crisis of trust.

Test for the Taliban Government

The escalating tensions with Pakistan and growing closeness with India have placed the Taliban government before a delicate yet crucial diplomatic test. It remains to be seen how Kabul maintains neutrality and balance between two important nuclear powers, Pakistan and India.

During his speech in India, Amir Khan Muttaqi clearly stated:

“Afghan soil will neither be used against Islamabad nor against Delhi.”

This statement is seen as a reflection of the Taliban government’s neutral and responsible diplomacy.

However, some political analysts believe that Afghanistan is again at risk of getting caught in the proxy politics between Islamabad and Delhi. The question remains whether the Taliban can truly maintain neutrality in this geographical conflict, or if Afghanistan will once again become an arena for regional power rivalries.

Only time will tell if the Taliban government learns from past mistakes and manages to keep Afghanistan on the path of diplomatic sovereignty, political stability, and regional balance.