Indian envoy meets Taliban leadership amid diplomatic friction with Pakistan

Indian special envoy Anand Prakash visited Kabul, Afghanistan to engage with the Taliban leadership.

Anand Prakash, the Special Representative from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Director General of the Department for Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, convened a meeting with Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan.

Their conversation centered on bolstering bilateral political ties, improving trade and transit collaboration, and sharing perspectives on recent regional occurrences. Both parties underscored the significance of bilateral interactions, simplifying visa processes, enhancing delegation exchanges, and improving collaboration in diverse areas.

This gathering occurs amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, as the former has reduced diplomatic relations with the latter after the lethal terror assault in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack on April 22 resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of easing the movement of individuals between the two nations during the meeting and urged the normalization of visa application procedures for entrepreneurs, patients, and students.

The Indian ambassador, Anand Prakash, also conveyed optimism regarding the enhancement of collaboration between the two nations in multiple areas. As stated in a press release from the MEA, Anand Prakash reaffirmed India’s commitment to ongoing support for Afghanistan and expressed India’s desire to invest in infrastructure projects, including the revival of previously suspended initiatives.