Amid tensions, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar talks to Taliban’s Foreign Minister

New Delhi (India) May 16: Jaishankar's phone call to Mr. Muttaqi comes days after the Taliban, which New Delhi has not yet formally acknowledged, criticised the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed by terrorists with ties to Pakistan in an act of terror in Jammu and Kashmir.

After the Pahalgam incident, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Indian Special Envoy Anand Prakash, Director General of the Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan Division at the MEA, in Kabul. Their conversations focused on improving economic and transit cooperation, strengthening bilateral political ties and sharing opinions on current regional events.

Dr Jaishankar posted, "Good conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this evening. Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack."

"He underlined our (India's) traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continuing support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward.”

Dr Jaishankar also appreciated Mr Muttaqi's "firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports."

Muttaqi highlighted the historic nature of Afghanistan-India relations and referred to India as a "key regional country." He also expressed hope that the two countries' relationship will "get stronger."

Afghanistan's dedication to a "balanced foreign policy and the pursuit of constructive relations with all nations" was confirmed by him.

During the call, Mr. Muttaqi requested that Dr. Jaishankar provide additional visas to Afghan citizens, particularly those who are seeking medical care, according to Taliban's Director of Communication Hafiz Zia Ahmad. He added that topics covered included the development of Iran's Chabahar Port, bilateral trade, and the release and release of Afghan prisoners held in Indian prisons.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, this was the highest level of communication between the Indian government and the Taliban.

The discussion came days after India and Pakistan decided to stop military actions after Operation Sindoor, which was carried out after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and was criticised by the Kabul government. There has also been a lot of tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Aadrika Tayal