India Enhances Engagement with Taliban, Focuses on Humanitarian Aid

The spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced an expansion of engagement with the Taliban, emphasizing the centrality of humanitarian assistance. By 2025, India plans to elevate its representation in Kabul.

India’s Engagement with the Taliban Expands

Randeep Jaiswal, the spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated that India’s interactions with the Taliban are steadily increasing. Jaiswal highlighted that humanitarian aid and developmental cooperation are pivotal to this engagement. Furthermore, he noted a significant rise in India’s cooperation and contacts with Afghanistan over the past year.

He also referenced the presence of Anand Prakash, the head of the Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran section at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, during a ceremony celebrating the Taliban’s return to power, stressing that Prakash attended the event on behalf of the Indian government.

Diplomatic Relations and Increased Engagements

India has a long-standing relationship with the Afghan people, and current interactions include diplomatic discussions, humanitarian assistance, and development projects. Jaiswal specified that the nature and level of New Delhi’s engagement with Kabul will continue to be guided by these priorities.

The spokesperson further revealed that in October 2025, India’s diplomatic representation in Kabul will be elevated, with its technical mission being upgraded back to an embassy status. An ambassador has also been appointed for the Indian embassy in Kabul.

Impact of Communication on Regional Relations

However, Jaiswal remarked that this shift does not signify an upgrade in formal relations between India and the Taliban. The increase in interaction occurs amidst rising tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, with Pakistan accusing both sides of supporting their armed oppositions—claims that have been denied by both parties.