India Deepens Diplomatic Engagement with Taliban as Regional Tensions Rise

Indian Foreign Secretary's meeting with Taliban leadership signals cautious strategic adjustments in Afghanistan policy while addressing humanitarian and regional concerns.

• Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai, marking the first high-level engagement between the two sides.
• India announced plans to resume developmental projects in Afghanistan, focusing on health, trade, and refugee support, while considering the reissuance of Afghan visas for education and medical purposes.
• The meeting follows India's condemnation of recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, highlighting growing tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban.
• Analysts describe India's approach as a pragmatic recognition of the Taliban's governance, but warn of ethical challenges given the Taliban's controversial policies, such as the ban on girls' education.
• Pakistan views India's increasing engagement with the Taliban as a threat, particularly as Afghanistan-Pakistan relations deteriorate over border conflicts and rising terrorism.

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