The cellphone dialog constructed on an earlier assembly between Muttaqi and Indian international secretary Vikram Misri in Dubai in January, and marked the best stage of contact between India and the Taliban for the reason that latter seized energy in Afghanistan in August 2021.
India on Thursday welcomed the Afghanistan Taliban regime’s rejection of makes an attempt to sow mistrust between the 2 nations, throughout the first official interplay between Exterior Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Taliban performing international minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
The cellphone dialog constructed on an earlier assembly between Muttaqi and Indian international secretary Vikram Misri in Dubai in January, and marked the best stage of contact between India and the Taliban for the reason that latter seized energy in Afghanistan in August 2021.
The alternate additionally got here amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
“Good dialog with performing Afghan international minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this night. Deeply respect his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist assault,” Jaishankar stated in a social media submit, referring to the 22 April assault that killed 26 civilians and prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor concentrating on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled areas.
Jaishankar additionally famous Muttaqi’s sturdy rejection of “latest makes an attempt to create mistrust between India and Afghanistan by way of false and baseless stories,” apparently referencing claims in sections of the Pakistani media that India had “employed” the Taliban to hold out a “false flag” operation in Pahalgam.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s long-standing friendship with the Afghan folks and reiterated assist for his or her growth wants, including that either side explored methods to boost cooperation.
In line with a Taliban readout, the 2 ministers mentioned strengthening bilateral relations, increasing commerce and furthering diplomatic engagement.
Muttaqi described India as a key regional actor and referred to the historic nature of ties between the 2 nations. He expressed hope for stronger future relations and reiterated Afghanistan’s dedication to a balanced international coverage and constructive worldwide relations.
He additionally requested India’s help in facilitating visas for Afghan merchants and medical sufferers, and known as for the discharge and repatriation of Afghan prisoners presently in Indian custody.
The readout quoted Jaishankar as acknowledging India’s historic ties with Afghanistan and highlighting the significance of collaboration in political and financial fields. He assured immediate consideration to the matter of Afghan prisoners and dedicated to easing the visa course of.
Either side additionally underlined the strategic significance of additional creating Iran’s Chabahar port.