The Taliban are expressing support for strengthened ties with India, as the Indian government explores the possibility of hosting a visit from Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Despite a travel ban imposed on Muttaqi by the UN Security Council (UNSC), India remains in contact with the Taliban to arrange a visit at the earliest opportunity.

Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban's head of political office and Afghanistan's ambassador to Qatar, emphasized the need for both countries to improve and strengthen their relations. Shaheen believes that high-level visits, including those at the foreign minister level, are essential to pave the way for exploring various fields of cooperation, including trade. He has also urged the UN to grant Afghanistan's seat to the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate.

India is expected to approach the UNSC to request a waiver for the travel ban on Muttaqi, which would allow him to visit the country once the dates are finalized. Although there were reports last month that the visit had been called off after the Security Council denied the waiver, it has been clarified that while dates were discussed for a visit in August, they did not materialize.

If the visit proceeds, it would be the first high-level visit from Afghanistan to India since the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021. In May 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had a telephonic conversation with Muttaqi, marking the first ministerial-level contact between the two since the Taliban's return to power. During the conversation, Jaishankar conveyed India's continued support for the development needs of the Afghan people and welcomed Muttaqi's condemnation of a recent terrorist attack. This conversation built upon a previous meeting between Muttaqi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Dubai in January 2025.

India's relationship with the Taliban has seen significant improvement in recent years. The Taliban have shown appreciation for India's ongoing humanitarian assistance, which aligns with India's historical relations and friendship with the Afghan people. India recently sent more humanitarian aid to Afghanistan following a 6.0 magnitude earthquake.

Furthermore, the Taliban have provided security guarantees to India, assuring that they will not allow Pakistan-based terror groups to use Afghanistan for anti-India activities. With these assurances and the improved relationship, India believes that it is the right time to upgrade the ties between the two countries.

This potential visit signifies a shift in India's foreign policy, moving away from its historical anti-Taliban stance. Previously, India had supported the anti-Taliban United National Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan, also known as the Northern Alliance. From 2001 to 2021, India focused on building goodwill in Afghanistan through development projects and humanitarian aid.

Several factors contribute to India's growing closeness with the Taliban, including regional geopolitical and geoeconomic interests. The Taliban's refusal to rein in the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has increased attacks inside Pakistan, has also played a role. Moreover, the Taliban considers the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) a major enemy, opening potential for cooperation against this group. Engaging with the Taliban is seen as a pragmatic approach to protect India's national interests and foster regional stability.