Overview

• External affairs minister S. Jaishankar announced the shift from a technical mission to a full embassy during talks with Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, the first high-level meeting since 2021.
• India unveiled new assistance that includes six health projects, 20 ambulances, MRI and CT scanners, vaccines and cancer medicines, plus food aid and support for housing for Afghan refugees pushed back from Pakistan.
• Jaishankar said India would maintain and complete prior development projects, explore cooperation on water management, consider Afghan invitations on mining, expand student opportunities and issue more medical, business and student visas.
• Muttaqi, visiting on a UN-approved travel waiver from October 9 to 16, called India a close friend and pledged Afghanistan would not allow any group to use its territory against other countries.
• India reiterated counter-terrorism as a core concern and kept recognition off the table, framing closer engagement as a means to support Afghan stability and protect Indian security interests.