Indian Foreign Secretary and Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Meet to Discuss Trade and Cricket Cooperation
Peshawar (Ghag Report):
Two traditionally Pakistan-opposed forces, the Afghan Taliban and Indian officials, are reportedly strengthening ties through meetings in Dubai. During a key meeting on Wednesday, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra met with Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss bilateral relations, trade expansion, and enhancing cricket cooperation.
The discussions included plans to boost mutual trade via the Chabahar Port and to foster Afghan-India cricket collaboration. Chabahar, a strategic port in southeastern Iran, has long been a focal point for India’s trade ambitions in the region. While India sees the port as a potential trade corridor, experts believe its ultimate interest lies in Afghanistan’s mineral wealth and securing access to Central Asia’s energy markets.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs released a statement indicating plans to initiate development projects in Afghanistan in the near future. Analysts suggest that although India has not formally recognized the Taliban government since its takeover in 2021, these diplomatic overtures signal a convergence of interests between two forces traditionally opposed to Pakistan.
According to the statement, India has pledged initial support in the health sector and refugee rehabilitation at Afghanistan’s request. The report also highlights India’s recent humanitarian aid, including shipments of wheat, medicines, COVID-19 vaccines, and winter clothing.
Notably, India shut down its Kabul embassy after the Taliban assumed power in 2021, and formal diplomatic ties remain suspended. However, the current engagement reflects India’s strategic shift towards fostering influence in Afghanistan despite the lack of official recognition.