The Taliban’s agriculture minister called on India to expand its support for Afghanistan’s development, particularly in modernizing the country’s agricultural sector, during a visit to New Delhi that underscored growing engagement between the two sides.
Speaking at a conference on Afghanistan-India trade opportunities, Ataullah Omari said Afghanistan needed India’s assistance across multiple sectors, especially agriculture.
“We need your support, and the support of our old friend, the government of India, as well as its sincere business community, which has stood with us throughout history,” Omari said.
He also praised the reception he received from Indian officials.
“When we see the warm welcome from the government, ministers, officials and the people of India, it boosts our morale,” he said.
Omari’s visit marks the fourth trip by a Taliban cabinet minister to India since October last year, reflecting a steady expansion of contacts despite the absence of formal diplomatic recognition of the Taliban rule.
Separately, Noor Ahmad Noor, the Taliban’s chargé d’affaires in New Delhi, said political relations between India and the Taliban were improving.
“We should continue working to strengthen these relations,” Noor said, describing recent developments as positive and encouraging.
India has not formally recognized the Taliban administration but has gradually increased engagement with its officials since reopening its diplomatic mission in Kabul in 2022. The two sides have expanded cooperation on humanitarian assistance, trade and technical exchanges while maintaining regular diplomatic contacts.
The latest visit comes as relations between the Taliban and Pakistan remain strained over security disputes and cross-border tensions. Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused the Taliban of allowing militant groups to operate from Afghanistan’s territory, allegations the Taliban deny.
Since October 2025, Taliban ministers responsible for foreign affairs, commerce, public health and agriculture have all traveled to India, signaling increasingly frequent high-level engagement between New Delhi and the Taliban authorities.
Neither India nor the Taliban announced any new agreements during Omari’s visit, and the Indian government has not publicly commented on his request for broader assistance.
