Key Highlights of the Visit

• India upgraded its "technical mission" in Kabul to a full embassy.
  • India permitted the Taliban to appoint its diplomats at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi.
  • India closed its embassy in Kabul after the Taliban seized power in August 2021. 
    • In June 2022, India re-established its diplomatic presence in the Afghan capital by deploying a “technical team”.
• Both sides agreed to coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
  • Foreign Minister of Afghanistan assures that Afghanistan's soil would not be used against any other country.
• Commencement of the India-Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor.
  • Afghanistan invited Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan. 

Reasons for recent Indian Engagement with Afghanistan

• Advancing National Interest and Security Concerns to check terror outfits operating from Afghanistan.
• Countering Regional Influence of countries like Pakistan and China.
• Geopolitical Shifts and Real Politik due to worsening Pakistan-Taliban Relations.
• Building goodwill and trust through capacity building and humanitarian initiatives.

Key Concerns in Relations

• Taliban’s autocratic regime with scant regard for human rights, particularly those of women.
• Lack of diplomatic recognition for the Taliban government.