New Delhi, Oct 8 (NVI) Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi landed here tonight on a visit in response to an official invitation, marking a huge development that will have far-reaching implications for the region, particularly upsetting Pakistan.
Muttaqi is the highest-ranking leader of the Taliban regime, which is ruling Afghanistan since August 2021 after seizing power militarily, to undertake visit to India for strengthening bilateral relations.
He is expected to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tomorrow to discuss how the two countries can engage better in various spheres, including security, political, economic and trade.
Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi after his visit to Russia where he attended the ‘Moscow Format’ conclave, in which Indian Ambassador also participated on behalf of the country.
The visit, which has immense symbolism and message, comes months after the government of India established contact with the Taliban regime, with whom ties were very bitter during their earlier tenure from 1996 to 2001.
The fact that the Taliban regime is engaging with India and favouring deepening of relations is a huge setback to Pakistan which has been humiliating and trying to isolate Afghanistan.
Since a major country like India is hosting such a high-ranking leader of the Taliban regime also marks a significant development since this government of Afghanistan is yet to be recognized officially by most of the nations, including New Delhi.
Pakistan will be surely watching the visit closely. (NVI)
