## India Embraces Taliban as Afghan Foreign Minister Visits New Delhi: What It Signals for Regional Policy
In a surprising shift in South Asian diplomacy, India is opening its diplomatic doors to the **Taliban**. The recently concluded official visit by **Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi** to New Delhi marks the first formal trip by a Taliban leader since the group’s return to power in Afghanistan. ([Al Jazeera][1])
This visit is being viewed as a calculated move by New Delhi to reset ties and pursue strategic engagement with Kabul. Below, we unpack what happened during the visit, why India is embracing the Taliban now, and the broader implications for the region.
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### 📌 Highlights of the Visit & Key Agreements
* Officials from both sides held talks on **diplomatic, trade, and economic cooperation**. India even committed to reopening its embassy in Kabul. ([Al Jazeera][1])
* Afghanistan extended invitations to Indian companies to invest in its mining sector and proposed direct flight connections between Kabul and Indian cities such as Amritsar. ([Al Jazeera][1])
* Taliban’s delegation also visited **Darul Uloom Deoband**, one of South Asia’s most influential Islamic seminaries, as part of the itinerary. ([Al Jazeera][1])
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### 🤔 Why Is India Reaching Out Now?
Historically, India viewed the Taliban with deep suspicion, largely due to the group’s ties with Pakistan. However, analysts suggest several reasons behind this diplomatic recalibration:
1. **Strategic Necessity**
With Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan remaining strong, India may see the need to engage directly with Kabul to safeguard its own interests and reduce Islamabad’s leverage.
2. **Pragmatism Over Ideology**
Despite ideological differences, India appears to be choosing a more pragmatic path—engaging with the de facto rulers of Afghanistan to preserve influence in the region.
3. **Humanitarian & Reconstruction Stakes**
With millions in Afghanistan dependent on foreign aid, India likely seeks to play a role in rebuilding infrastructure and development, which also strengthens bilateral goodwill.
4. **Regional Stability**
India’s engagement could help stabilize its western neighbor, potentially curbing cross-border militant flows and fostering regional economic ties.
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### 🌐 Wider Implications
* **International Perception & Credibility**
New Delhi’s move may be viewed as soft recognition of the Taliban regime, drawing scrutiny from Western nations and partners who have been cautious about legitimizing the government in Kabul.
* **Diplomatic Balancing Act**
India must delicately manage relations with allies that oppose the Taliban while maintaining its own strategic autonomy.
* **Economic Leverage**
By opening pathways for trade and investment, India might strengthen its foothold in Central Asia and access Afghanistan’s natural resources.
* **Domestic Reactions**
There’s likely to be debate within India regarding the moral and security implications of engaging with a regime that has faced accusations of rights violations, especially relating to women and minorities.
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### ✅ Final Thoughts
India’s decision to receive a Taliban foreign minister is a high-stakes pivot in foreign policy. This visit signals a shift from non-recognition to tactical engagement—reflecting evolving priorities in diplomacy and security. The long-term outcomes remain uncertain, but what’s clear is that India is positioning itself as a central stakeholder in Afghanistan’s future.
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