In a major step toward rebuilding ties with Afghanistan, India on Friday announced a series of developmental initiatives and the formal upgrade of its diplomatic presence in Kabul. The announcements came during the first-ever in-person meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Afghanistan’s Taliban-appointed Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

Muttaqi’s visit is the first official trip by a senior Taliban leader to India since the group returned to power in 2021. While India has not formally recognised the Taliban regime, this meeting signals a cautious but clear move toward structured engagement, particularly on issues of security and development.

Welcoming Muttaqi and his delegation, Jaishankar called the visit a “significant step” in affirming the enduring friendship between the two countries. He emphasized that face-to-face dialogue allows both sides to identify shared interests and foster closer cooperation.

“Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development as well as regional stability and resilience,” Jaishankar said. He announced that India’s technical mission in Kabul, operational since 2022, will now be upgraded to a full-fledged embassy.

On development, India unveiled six new projects in Afghanistan, alongside support for the maintenance of earlier initiatives. India will also donate 20 ambulances, MRI and CT scan machines, essential vaccines, and cancer medicines to Afghan hospitals. In response to recent natural disasters, India will contribute to rebuilding homes in earthquake-hit areas and support Afghan refugees who have been forcibly repatriated—an apparent reference to recent deportations by Pakistan.

A fresh consignment of food aid was also scheduled for delivery in Kabul on Friday. Jaishankar highlighted potential collaborations in mining, water management, and education, including more scholarships for Afghan students and deeper support for Afghanistan’s cricket team. He noted an increase in visas being issued to Afghan nationals for medical, business, and educational purposes.

Muttaqi, speaking in Pashto, expressed appreciation for India’s longstanding ties with Afghanistan. He assured that Afghan soil would not be used against other countries and stressed the need for cooperation to combat terrorism. “Daesh is a challenge for the region,” he said, calling for joint efforts to ensure stability and prosperity.

Jaishankar echoed the concern, warning that regional growth is threatened by cross-border terrorism. He thanked Muttaqi for the Taliban’s condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty and development.