In a significant diplomatic move, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a conversation with Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan on Thursday, May 15, 2025. This marks the first minister-level contact between India and the Taliban since the latter seized power in Kabul in August 2021.

The conversation took place against the backdrop of recent tensions between India and Pakistan and days after the Taliban administration condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the death of 26 people. Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for Muttaqi's condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. He also welcomed Muttaqi's rejection of attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false reports. This was in reference to claims in Pakistani media that attempted to link the Taliban with the developments in Kashmir. Specifically, Jaishankar referred to Pakistan's allegation of Indian missiles hitting Afghanistan during the recent military confrontation between India and Pakistan.

During the conversation, Jaishankar conveyed India's enduring friendship with the Afghan people and its continued support for their development needs. The two ministers also discussed ways to further cooperation between the two countries. The Afghanistan Consulate General in Mumbai stated that the two Foreign Ministers talked about strengthening bilateral ties, trade, diplomatic engagement, and cooperation via the Chabahar Port. Visa facilitation for Afghans and the release of Afghan prisoners held in India were also discussed. Muttaqi requested assistance in securing more Indian visas for Afghan patients and visitors. Jaishankar assured Muttaqi that the issue of Afghan prisoners would be given prompt attention and steps would be taken to streamline the visa process.

The Taliban's director of public communication, Hafiz Zia Ahmed, shared details on 'X', noting that Muttaqi requested Jaishankar's assistance in securing Indian visas for Afghan patients and visitors.

This interaction builds upon a previous meeting between Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Dubai in January. The January meeting focused on humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, bilateral issues, and the security situation in the region. During that meeting, Misri reiterated India's commitment to providing humanitarian and development assistance to the Afghan people.