Afghanistan: Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Make First Official Visit to India Since Taliban Takeover
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to visit New Delhi next week, marking the first official visit by a Taliban leader to India since the group came to power. Muttaqi is scheduled to arrive on October 9, 2025. His earlier trip, planned for last month, was canceled due to a travel ban imposed under United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions.
UN Security Council Approves Travel Exemption
The UN Security Council granted an exemption from the travel ban on September 30, 2025, allowing Muttaqi to visit India from October 9 to 16. Travel restrictions under Resolution 1988 (2011) apply to certain Taliban-associated individuals, but exemptions can be granted for official duties or medical reasons.
Itinerary and Diplomatic Context
Before coming to India, Muttaqi will travel to Moscow on October 6 for the seventh round of Moscow Format talks, after which he will proceed to New Delhi. The visit is expected to strengthen India-Taliban relations, though India has not officially recognized the Taliban and continues to advocate for an inclusive Afghan government.
In May 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held the first high-level phone conversation with Muttaqi since the Taliban’s takeover. In January, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in Kabul, where the Taliban acknowledged India as a key regional and economic partner. India has also provided humanitarian aid, including wheat and medicines, to Afghanistan.
Diplomatic Presence in Afghanistan
Following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, India withdrew its embassy staff from Kabul due to security concerns. In June 2022, India reestablished a technical team at its embassy, marking the first diplomatic presence since the Taliban assumed power.
