Taliban Requests Visas for Afghan Students and Entrepreneurs from India

Afghanistan has assured India that it poses no threat to any country and hopes to strengthen diplomatic ties with New Delhi, recognizing it as “a vital regional and economic partner.” Following the first publicly acknowledged interaction between Kabul and New Delhi since the Taliban’s rise to power, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry called for strengthening diplomatic ties and simplifying visa processes for Afghan businessmen, patients, and students.

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Afghanistan Seeks Stronger Ties and Visa Ease with India, Assures No Threat

Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, met with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Dubai on Wednesday. According to a statement from Kabul, Muttaqi emphasized Afghanistan’s intention to strengthen political and economic ties with India, recognizing it as a significant regional and economic power, consistent with Afghanistan’s balanced and economy-focused foreign policy.

“Assuring the Indian delegation that Afghanistan does not pose a threat to any nation, FM Muttaqi expressed hope for raising the level of diplomatic relations, and easing the visa regime for Afghan businessmen, patients and students,” the statement said.

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Afghanistan and India Discuss Strengthening Political, Economic, and Trade Relations

The Afghanistan Foreign Ministry stated that during Wednesday’s meeting, the country’s Deputy Ministers of Commerce and Transport were present, and extensive discussions took place on political, economic, and people-to-people relations between Afghanistan and India.

“Appreciating Afghanistan’s efforts in ensuring security, and combating narcotics and corruption in the country, the Indian Foreign Secretary emphasised India’s interest in expanding political and economic relations with Afghanistan, and promoting trade through the Chabahar Port,” it added.

Following the meeting in Dubai, the External Affairs Ministry (MEA) in New Delhi issued a statement on Wednesday, announcing its consideration of engaging in development projects in Afghanistan and offering material support to the country’s health sector.

The meeting saw the Afghan delegation acknowledging India’s security concerns, according to the statement. The talks between Misri and Muttaqi took place two days after India strongly condemned the Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan that resulted in the deaths of many civilians. India has not yet recognized the Taliban government and continues to advocate for the formation of an inclusive government in Kabul. Additionally, New Delhi has emphasized that Afghan soil should not be used for terrorist activities targeting any country.

In response to the request from the Afghan side, India will provide further material support in the first instance to the health sector and for the rehabilitation of refugees, it said.

New Delhi remains concerned about the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, particularly those linked to Pakistan, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).