Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 16: In a notable shift in diplomatic dynamics, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen on Friday signalled Afghanistan’s intent to normalise ties with India and welcomed investments for the country’s rebuilding efforts. The announcement came in the wake of a phone conversation between India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Taliban acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi—the highest-level contact since the Taliban took control in August 2021.
The timing of the phone call, ahead of Muttaqi’s scheduled visits to Iran and China, has drawn attention, especially as it comes amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Shaheen, who also serves as the Taliban’s envoy in Qatar, stated: “Afghanistan has had historical relations with India, there is a need to renew that and normalise relations. We have a balanced approach policy, and our arms are open for all countries to invest in Afghanistan and cooperate with us in various fields.”
He added, “We are building everything from scratch and we need such relations.”
The call between Jaishankar and Muttaqi follows a meeting in Dubai earlier this year between Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri and Muttaqi, as well as a quiet visit to Kabul by an Indian diplomat after the Pahalgam attack. During Thursday’s call, Jaishankar welcomed Muttaqi’s rejection of reports allegedly floated by Pakistani media, which accused India of orchestrating a “false flag” attack with Taliban help.
India has taken strong diplomatic steps after the Pahalgam incident, including closing the only operational land border with Pakistan at Attari. However, in a goodwill gesture, Indian authorities granted special clearance to 160 Afghan trucks carrying dry fruits and nuts. The consignments are reportedly stuck on the Pakistani side, blocking the key trade route for Afghan traders.
Taliban’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and its rejection of Pakistani claims of Indian missile strikes on Afghan soil reflect a new phase of engagement between New Delhi and Kabul. In a statement on April 23, the Taliban foreign ministry termed the attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir as a threat to regional peace.
Meanwhile, Taliban acting deputy interior minister Mohammad Ibrahim Sadr is currently in India for medical treatment, although sources clarified that his visit is not tied to official talks.
As a follow-up to the Dubai meeting, the Indian government is reportedly considering launching fresh development projects for the Afghan people and extending humanitarian aid to Afghan refugees expelled by Pakistan.
Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, India has continued its humanitarian outreach, supplying Afghanistan with 50,000 tonnes of wheat, 350 tonnes of medicines, 40,000 litres of Malathion pesticide, 28 tonnes of earthquake relief materials, and offering 2,000 online scholarships to Afghan students.