Indian delegation visits Afghanistan to strengthen diplomatic ties between 2 nations

New Delhi, Mar 8: An Indian delegation, spearheaded by Ambassador JP Singh, Joint Secretary (PAI) of the Ministry of External Affairs, is currently in Afghanistan, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations, MEA officials said.

Highlighting India's commitment to aiding Afghanistan, MEA spokesperson Ambassador Randhir Jaiswal affirmed the role of India's Technical Mission in Kabul, which has been operational since June 2022. The mission serves as a pivotal hub for coordinating and facilitating ongoing humanitarian efforts in the region.

During their visit, the delegation engaged in discussions with key figures within the Afghan government, including former President Hamid Karzai, UNAMA officials, and representatives from the Afghan business community, an MEA spokesperson said.

The focus of these meetings encompassed India's extensive humanitarian assistance to the Afghan populace, as well as exploring avenues for utilising the Chabahar port for Afghan traders, added Ambassador Randhir Jaiswal.

Emphasising the enduring cultural and historical ties between India and Afghanistan, the Ministry of External Affairs underscored the guiding principles behind India's approach to bilateral relations.

Analysts see this as a significant development, Ambassador JP Singh and a delegation from New Delhi including a women MEA official engaged in talks with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Taliban-led government will improve further relationship between the two countries.

Media added that India's unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, discussions centred on avenues for collaboration in the health and education sectors under the Taliban regime. While the Afghan Foreign Ministry has expressed a desire for increased access to India for education and medical purposes, the Indian government has yet to take a definitive stance on the matter.

Discussions during the delegation's visit encompassed the expansion of India's humanitarian assistance initiatives and the strengthening of bilateral ties. However, the chances of humanitarian aid will persist irrespective of the visa deliberations.

India's stance on Afghanistan remains consistent, advocating for an inclusive government in Kabul and vehemently opposing the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against any nation.

The Taliban leadership has expressed a desire to foster closer political and economic relations with India, urging the facilitation of visa processes for Afghan businessmen, patients, and students.

In a meeting between Joint Secretary JP Singh and The Business community leaders, issues of trade and visas were raised as mentioned by the Kabul newspapers.

India reiterated its commitment to bolstering ties with Afghanistan, with a particular interest in enhancing trade through the Chabahar port.

The engagement signals a step forward between the two countries underlining the importance of diplomatic dialogue in navigating the complexities of the region, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations, MEA officials said.