Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
In a significant diplomatic move, India and the Afghan Taliban held a high-level meeting in Dubai on Wednesday, marking a notable escalation in their bilateral engagement. The meeting, attended by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, was facilitated by the UAE government and aimed to bolster cooperation across several key areas.
The discussions, held against the backdrop of strained relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly over recent Pakistani airstrikes, highlighted India’s commitment to supporting the Afghan people. Despite not officially recognizing the Taliban regime, India has continued to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
The agenda of the meeting was comprehensive, covering humanitarian assistance, developmental projects, trade, and regional security. India reiterated its readiness to address the urgent developmental needs of the Afghan people, with a focus on the healthcare sector and the rehabilitation of refugees. The country has already dispatched substantial aid, including 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat, 300 tonnes of medicines, and various other essential supplies.
Security concerns were a major point of discussion, with India emphasizing the need to prevent anti-India terror groups from operating in Afghanistan. The Afghan side acknowledged and expressed sensitivity to India’s security concerns, particularly regarding Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
The use of Chabahar port in Iran was also a key topic, with both sides agreeing to promote trade and commercial activities through this critical port, which serves as a vital supply route for goods to reach Afghanistan. This agreement is expected to enhance trade and facilitate humanitarian assistance.
In addition to these critical issues, the meeting touched on cultural and sporting ties, with a particular emphasis on strengthening cricket cooperation, a sport highly valued in both countries.
The timing of the meeting is significant, coming just days after India condemned recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan that resulted in civilian casualties. India’s foreign ministry had strongly criticized these airstrikes, labeling them an “old practice” of Pakistan to blame its neighbors for its internal failures.
This high-level engagement signals India’s strategic approach to securing its interests in the region while addressing humanitarian and developmental needs in Afghanistan, amidst a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape.
vernment in the war-torn country.
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