Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 6: In a significant move reflecting the Taliban regime’s growing intent to deepen diplomatic ties with India, a second Afghan Taliban representative has quietly assumed charge of consular operations — this time at the Hyderabad consulate.
According to top sources, M. Rehman, reportedly sent by the Taliban government in Kabul, has been heading consular affairs in Hyderabad since June 2025, marking the second such appointment after Ikramuudin Kamil took charge of the Mumbai consulate last year.
While Said Muhammad Ibrahim Khil, appointed under the previous Ashraf Ghani administration, is still officially recognised as the Charge d’Affaires at the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi — and technically also in charge of the Hyderabad consulate — insiders reveal that Rehman has been handling day-to-day consular responsibilities in the southern city since his arrival.
Growing Diplomatic Signals
These appointments — in both Mumbai and Hyderabad — are seen as clear signals from the Taliban regime to maintain and gradually expand its diplomatic presence in India, despite not being officially recognised by New Delhi.
"The fact is that the Taliban wants to take over the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi, which is still headed by someone representing the older regime. If things progress, we may see Taliban-appointed personnel heading the embassy by the end of the year," a senior source told.
India, aligning with much of the international community, has not formally recognised the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which seized power in August 2021. However, New Delhi has taken pragmatic steps to maintain working-level engagement — including resuming visa issuance for Afghan nationals, especially for medical treatment.
High-Level Engagement & the Road Ahead
Despite its cautious stance, India has engaged in quiet but steady diplomatic exchanges with the Taliban:
• Following Operation Sindoor, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke directly with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack.
• In January, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi during a visit to UAE, discussing the use of Iran's Chabahar port to boost trade.
• In November 2024, former MEA official J.P. Singh, now India’s Ambassador to Israel, held talks in Kabul with Taliban Defence Minister Muhammad Yaqoob Mujahid.
Russia’s Recognition and International Optics
Last month, Russia became the first major country to formally recognise the Taliban government, adding pressure on other regional players to reassess their stance. However, international recognition remains elusive for the Taliban, largely due to widespread criticism over its treatment of women and civil liberties.
According to UN data, millions of Afghans continue to suffer under humanitarian crises, and diplomatic overtures — such as those toward India — are seen as Kabul’s bid to secure legitimacy and economic engagement.
A Possible Turning Point?
Sources also hinted at a high-level delegation from Kabul potentially visiting New Delhi next month, which could lay the groundwork for more formalised diplomatic relations.
If the Taliban succeeds in formally taking charge of the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi, it would mark a major diplomatic shift and a potential turning point in India-Taliban relations — moving beyond humanitarian dialogue and into more structured political engagement.
For now, India remains cautious, maintaining humanitarian outreach and technical presence, while closely watching the Taliban’s next moves — both domestically and on the global stage.