Amir Khan Muttaqi, the foreign minister in Afghanistan's Taliban administration, is heading to India on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, marking the first visit by a senior Taliban leader since the group regained power in 2021. The trip underscores the Taliban's efforts to strengthen ties with regional powers, pursue economic opportunities, and ultimately gain diplomatic recognition. To date, Russia stands as the only country that has formally recognized the Taliban administration.

The visit comes after the UN Security Council (UNSC) Committee granted a temporary exemption to the travel ban imposed on Muttaqi, who is subject to UN sanctions, allowing him to visit New Delhi between October 9 and 16. This exemption highlights the importance of diplomatic engagement, even with sanctioned individuals, to address regional stability and humanitarian concerns.

Muttaqi's agenda is expected to include discussions on a range of topics, including India's role in Afghanistan, counter-terrorism measures, and trade relations. He is also likely to advocate for the resumption of government-level engagement between the two nations and seek India's validation of the Taliban government.

India has historically maintained close ties with Kabul, but relations have been strained since the Taliban's return to power. India closed its embassy in Kabul in 2021 but reopened a "technical mission" a year later to coordinate humanitarian aid. Despite not formally recognizing the Taliban government, India has engaged in talks with the group and provided humanitarian assistance, including wheat, medicine and COVID-19 vaccines.

In January 2025, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Muttaqi in Dubai, signaling a willingness to engage with the Taliban on matters of mutual interest. During that meeting, India pledged to collaborate with Afghanistan on development projects. The Taliban, in turn, has called India a "significant regional and economic partner".

Analysts believe that this visit is highly significant for the Taliban, as Afghanistan needs to establish political, economic, and trade ties with regional countries to gain recognition. Hekmatullah Hekmat, an Afghan political analyst, emphasized Afghanistan's dire need to build relations with its neighbors.

One major obstacle to normalizing relations has been the Taliban's restrictions on women's access to education and employment, as well as other human rights issues. These concerns are expected to be raised during the visit.

Prior to arriving in India, Muttaqi is scheduled to participate in a summit in Moscow on October 7, which will include representatives from China, India, Iran, and Central Asian nations. This flurry of diplomatic activity suggests a concerted effort to address the situation in Afghanistan through regional cooperation.

India's approach to Afghanistan involves providing humanitarian assistance while maintaining a somewhat ambiguous diplomatic stance. In November 2024, India accepted a Taliban-approved nominee as Acting Consul General in Mumbai, signaling a greater willingness to engage with the group.

While India has not officially recognized the Taliban regime, Muttaqi has met with Indian officials in recent years. These interactions and the upcoming visit indicate a nuanced approach by India, balancing its concerns about the Taliban's policies with the need to engage on issues such as security, trade, and humanitarian aid.