Taliban to Appoint First Diplomat in India Since Kabul Takeover

In a major diplomatic development, Afghanistan’s Taliban government is set to appoint its first official representative in New Delhi since seizing power in August 2021. The move signals a cautious normalisation of relations between India and Afghanistan, following acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s recent visit to New Delhi.

Renewed Diplomatic Engagement

According to official sources, Kabul has informed Indian authorities of its plan to station a Taliban diplomat in Delhi later this year, with another appointment expected by early 2026. This marks the first formal diplomatic presence of the Taliban regime in India. The decision comes after a year of gradually improving ties, culminating in Muttaqi’s high-level visit to India in October 2025, where both sides agreed to enhance bilateral coordination.

India’s Continued Humanitarian Support

Despite not officially recognising the Taliban government, India reaffirmed its commitment to assist the Afghan people through humanitarian aid and medical supplies. During the visit, India pledged to maintain and expand its assistance programmes, including the delivery of over 16 tonnes of anti-vector-borne disease medicines. The Taliban hailed India as a “reliable partner,” highlighting its long-standing support for Afghanistan’s health, infrastructure, and development sectors.

Muttaqi’s Visit and Strategic Significance

Amir Khan Muttaqi’s trip to New Delhi marked a turning point in regional diplomacy. It saw India announcing the upgrade of its technical mission in Kabul to the level of an embassy, alongside its decision to accept accredited Taliban diplomats. The discussions also underscored mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity — with the Taliban notably backing India’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir. This cooperation comes amid deteriorating ties between Kabul and Islamabad following recent border clashes and escalating tensions.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The Taliban will appoint its first diplomat in New Delhi since its 2021 takeover of Afghanistan.
• Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India in October 2025.
• India continues to provide humanitarian and medical aid, including 16 tonnes of disease-control medicines.
• Both countries are expected to appoint charge d’affaires to lead their respective missions.
• The Taliban expressed support for India’s sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir.

Regional Implications and Future Outlook

The decision to station Taliban diplomats in India represents a pragmatic shift in South Asian geopolitics. For Kabul, engaging with New Delhi offers strategic balance amid strained relations with Pakistan. For India, maintaining a foothold in Afghanistan ensures regional stability and influence in Central Asia. While formal recognition of the Taliban government remains off the table, the evolving diplomatic framework suggests a measured re-engagement built on humanitarian aid, security cooperation, and shared regional interests.