India is poised to increase its engagement with Afghanistan, focusing on expanding humanitarian and development assistance following high-level talks with the Taliban government.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced this commitment after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's recent meeting with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai earlier this month.
This meeting marked the "highest level of engagement" between the two nations since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021, signaling a potential shift in India's approach towards the current Afghan government.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India's desire to "engage with the government of the people of Afghanistan on development cooperation" and "do more in terms of offering humanitarian assistance."
India has a long-standing relationship with Afghanistan, and despite the change in government, seeks to continue its support for the Afghan people. Jaiswal highlighted various areas of potential collaboration, including sports and trade, particularly through the Chabahar port. He also mentioned India's commitment to supporting Afghanistan's health sector and refugee rehabilitation efforts.
India has already provided substantial humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including wheat, medicines, earthquake relief supplies, polio vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccines. This latest commitment suggests a further expansion of such aid, strengthening India's role in supporting the Afghan people.
While India increases its engagement with the Taliban government, it remains cautious about the political situation in Afghanistan. The MEA spokesperson emphasized that India is "keeping a close eye" on developments and hopes for a strong and stable relationship with Afghanistan.
This development is significant as it indicates a potential thaw in relations between India and the Taliban government. While challenges remain, India's commitment to humanitarian and development aid could play a crucial role in stabilizing Afghanistan and fostering a more constructive relationship between the two countries.
