NEW DELHI — Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesman for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated that New Delhi is committed to engaging with the people of Afghanistan through development cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
Speaking at a press conference, Jaiswal referenced the recent meeting between India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, and the Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, held in Dubai on January 8. He described the meeting as a significant step in India’s diplomatic outreach to Afghanistan.
“This was the highest level of engagement that we have had with the current administration in Kabul,” Jaiswal said. “We have clearly outlined our intent to offer more humanitarian assistance and to strengthen our development cooperation with the Afghan people, building on our long-standing relationship.”
Jaiswal emphasized India’s continued presence in Afghanistan through its technical mission in Kabul and highlighted ongoing discussions at the Joint Secretary level over the past year.
In addition to humanitarian aid and development efforts, Jaiswal noted India’s support for Afghan sports, particularly cricket. “You would have seen several Afghan cricket players participating in the IPL. Greater Noida has served as a home ground for them. These are areas where we want to deepen our ties and bring tangible benefits to the Afghan people,” he said.
The January 8 meeting between Misri and Muttaqi marked the first officially acknowledged discussion between an Indian foreign secretary and a senior Taliban official. It underscores New Delhi’s efforts to maintain connections with Afghanistan amid the country’s ongoing humanitarian and economic challenges.
