Overview

• Indian officials say Amir Khan Muttaqi will arrive on October 9 for a five-day visit and hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on October 10 at Hyderabad House.
• Muttaqi received a UN Security Council sanctions waiver on September 30, enabling travel to India where he will be treated with the protocol accorded to a visiting foreign minister.
• A joint statement from the Moscow Format said Afghanistan’s delegation led by Muttaqi participated as a “member” for the first time, signaling a step toward broader regional engagement.
• India has not recognised the Taliban authorities, and former diplomats cautioned that Delhi should await a UN-backed international consensus on recognition.
• New Delhi has stepped up humanitarian and development outreach in recent months, including rapid earthquake relief in September and resumed visas, while pressing for counterterrorism assurances.