Taliban to Appoint First Diplomat in India Since Kabul Takeover

In a significant diplomatic move, the Taliban government of Afghanistan is preparing to appoint its first official representative in India since taking power in August 2021 . The decision signals a gradual thaw in India-Afghanistan relations and a cautious step toward renewed engagement, following the visit of Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi in October 2025 .

Resumption of Diplomatic Channels

• According to official sources, Kabul has conveyed its intent to post a Taliban diplomat in New Delhi by late 2025 , with another appointment expected by early 2026. This will mark the first formal diplomatic presence of the Taliban regime in India. The development follows a period of quiet coordination between the two sides, culminating in high-level talks during Muttaqi’s visit, where both nations agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation mechanisms.

India’s Humanitarian and Development Support

• India, while refraining from formally recognising the Taliban government, has maintained its humanitarian commitment to the Afghan people . During the recent talks, India reiterated its pledge to continue delivering essential aid, including 16 tonnes of anti-vector-borne disease medicines and medical support through Indian missions in Kabul. The Taliban, in turn, described India as a “reliable partner” , acknowledging its longstanding contributions to Afghanistan’s health, infrastructure, and education sectors.

Strategic Context and Regional Balance

• Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit also carried broader strategic significance . India announced an upgrade of its technical mission in Kabul to an embassy-level presence and agreed to accredit Taliban-appointed diplomats. The Taliban leadership expressed support for India’s sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir , a statement viewed as an attempt to balance relations amid growing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad following recent border clashes.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Taliban to appoint its first diplomat in India since 2021 takeover .

• Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India in October 2025 .

• India provided 16 tonnes of medical aid to Afghanistan.

• Both sides to appoint charge d’affaires for missions.

• Taliban expressed support for India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir .

Conclusion

The planned appointment of Taliban diplomats in India marks a pragmatic shift in South Asian diplomacy . For the Taliban, ties with New Delhi provide strategic diversification beyond Pakistan’s orbit. For India, engagement ensures a foothold in Afghanistan and contributes to regional stability, counterterrorism cooperation, and humanitarian outreach , even without formal recognition of the regime.