A significant advancement in ties with Afghanistan occurred on Wednesday when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dispatched an Indian team to Kabul. In the course of this, the Indian delegation engaged in discussions with Mohammad Yakub Mujahid, the son of Mullah Omar, who was the supreme leader of the Afghan government from 1996 to 2001. Yakub serves as the interim defense minister for the Taliban.
The Indian delegation engaged in discussions with Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, the son of Mullah Omar, who was the former supreme leader of the Afghan government between 1996 and 2001. Yaqub serves as the interim defense minister of the Taliban.
The Indian delegation was headed by JP Singh, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs. In the discussions with the Taliban, matters concerning India were addressed openly. While in Afghanistan, the Indian delegation also had a meeting with former President Hamid Karzai.
JP Singh, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, is tasked with handling issues concerning Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran within the Ministry of External Affairs. This is why Foreign Minister S Jaishankar selected JP Singh, one of his most skilled officers, to head this delegation. This marks the Indian delegation’s second trip to Afghanistan since the Taliban took control. This clearly indicates that the Modi administration is advancing carefully in its relations with Afghanistan since the Taliban took control.
The Defense Ministry of the Taliban stated, ‘During this meeting, both parties highlighted their mutual interest in improving bilateral ties.’ The emphasis was on humanitarian collaboration and additional matters. Both Afghanistan and India expressed their desire to enhance ongoing discussions.
India has yet to officially acknowledge the Taliban government. India views Afghanistan as a vital ally to enhance its presence in Central Asia. As reported by the Times of India, this gathering signifies that India is prepared to not only boost its humanitarian aid to Afghanistan but is also willing to support the efforts without formally acknowledging the government in Kabul.
India has repeatedly stated that Afghanistan’s territory must not be used to promote terrorism in India. The Taliban has guaranteed India that it will prevent its territory from being used against India. Yakub talked about the long-standing ties with India. The Taliban is urging India to permit the posting of a diplomat from its Foreign Ministry at the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi. He claims that the relationship between India and Afghanistan holds significance for both nations and their citizens.