The Indian diplomat overseeing Afghanistan relations, M Anand Prakash, met with the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Kabul to discuss political ties and regional developments amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Prakash, who recently assumed the role of joint secretary for the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division at India’s external affairs ministry, held talks with Muttaqi on Sunday. Taliban foreign ministry deputy spokesperson Hafiz Zia Ahmad stated on social media that the discussions focused on “recent regional political developments,” though specific details were not disclosed.
Meeting focused on trade between the two nations
In addition to political relations, the meeting addressed issues related to trade and transit. Ahmad said Muttaqi stressed the importance of enhancing diplomatic and economic ties and invited Indian investors to seize emerging investment opportunities in Afghanistan. Muttaqi also called for smoother movement of people between the two countries and urged the restoration of visa services for Afghan patients, students, and businessmen.
Prakash was quoted by Ahmad as emphasizing the importance of India-Afghanistan relations and expressing hope to strengthen ties across multiple sectors. He added that India would continue its cooperation with Afghanistan, particularly through investment in infrastructure projects, some of which have already resumed after a period of suspension.
Both sides reportedly agreed on promoting mutual cooperation, exchanging delegations, and easing visa processes. However, there was no official statement from the Indian government regarding the meeting.
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Taliban Condemns Pahalgam terror atttack
Meanwhile, the Taliban’s foreign ministry condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, describing it as detrimental to regional security efforts. In a statement, they expressed condolences to the victims’ families and stressed that such acts threaten stability in the region.
Following the attack, India closed the Attari land border crossing with Pakistan — a crucial transit point for India-Afghanistan trade. The closure has disrupted a trade route valued at approximately $500 million annually, according to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment. Afghan traders warned of significant losses, particularly as the fruit export season approaches.
Khan Jan Alokozay, a board member of the Chamber, highlighted the severe impact of the closure, especially on dried fruit exports, noting that alternative trade routes pose serious logistical challenges.
During his Kabul visit, Prakash also met former Afghan president Hamid Karzai to discuss regional issues and ways to strengthen India-Afghanistan relations. Karzai, in a social media post, urged India to offer scholarships to Afghan youth and to facilitate smoother trade transactions.
