IEA supports stronger ties as India explores visit by Afghan foreign minister

The Islamic Emirate has expressed support for upgrading engagement with India, as New Delhi considers hosting Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi despite a United Nations Security Council travel ban that restricts his movement.

Suhail Shaheen, head of the Islamic Emirate’s political office in Qatar, told the Times of India that both countries need to strengthen relations. “For that, high-level visits at the foreign ministers’ level is a need. It will pave the way for exploring various fields of cooperation including trade between the two countries,” he said.

Shaheen has also urged the UN to hand Afghanistan’s seat to the Islamic Emirate.

India is expected to approach the Security Council to request a waiver for Muttaqi’s travel if dates for his visit are confirmed. Afghan media reports suggested last month that a planned visit was canceled after the waiver was denied.

However, discussions for a trip in late August did take place, though the plan did not materialize.

Ties between India and the Islamic Emirate have steadily improved in recent years, with Kabul acknowledging India’s humanitarian support.

New Delhi last week sent additional relief supplies after the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on the night of August 31. Indian officials have said they are reassured by security guarantees from the Islamic Emirate, including assurances that Afghan territory will not be used by Pakistan-based groups for activities against India.

Engagement has already expanded, with India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri meeting Muttaqi in Dubai earlier this year and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar holding two rounds of talks with him.

A visit by Muttaqi to India would mark the first such high-level visit since the Islamic Emirate took power in 2021.