India to Host Taliban Foreign Minister: Diplomatic Pivot?

Amir Khan Muttaqi’s scheduled visit will be the first formal diplomatic engagement of its kind between the Taliban government and the Indian state at this level. Hosted under a multilateral regional framework with possible bilateral side meetings, the visit is being closely watched by global and regional observers.

Historically, India has kept the Taliban at arm’s length, aligning more with the ousted Afghan Republic and supporting development and humanitarian initiatives without recognizing the Taliban regime. However, the deteriorating security situation in the region, increased Chinese engagement with Kabul, and the operational necessity of having a working relationship with the Afghan administration have prompted a pragmatic policy shift.

This visit could pave the way for limited formal engagement, if not full diplomatic recognition, and could signal India’s intention to reassert its role in shaping Afghanistan’s future.

Strategic Stakes

India’s decision to host the Taliban foreign minister is not without calculated strategic considerations. Several factors are at play:

1. Regional Connectivity and Geoeconomics

Afghanistan remains a critical geographical link for India’s ambitions in Central Asia. Projects such as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and future trade and transit corridors require a degree of stability and cooperation with the Afghan government. By engaging the Taliban, India hopes to revive stalled infrastructure initiatives and counter China’s Belt and Road expansion in the region.

2. Security and Counterterrorism

The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan has raised legitimate concerns about the reemergence of terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. India, having suffered past attacks linked to Pakistan-based and Afghan-supported actors, is likely to use this visit to seek assurances from the Taliban that Afghan territory will not be used for terrorism targeting Indian interests, particularly in Kashmir or metropolitan cities.

3. Navigating International Legitimacy and Sanctions

India must tread cautiously to avoid sending a signal of full endorsement or premature recognition of the Taliban regime, especially given the ongoing sanctions and non-recognition stance adopted by the U.S., EU, and other Western powers. The challenge lies in engaging Afghanistan as a matter of national interest without violating international norms or weakening its credibility as a rights-conscious democracy.

Challenges Ahead

India’s diplomatic engagement with the Taliban is bound to attract scrutiny both domestically and internationally. While pragmatism is driving the outreach, the risks are substantial.

1. Human Rights and Governance Concerns

The Taliban regime continues to face severe criticism over its treatment of women, restrictions on education for girls, suppression of minorities, and lack of inclusive governance. India, which has historically supported democratic development and civil liberties in Afghanistan, will have to balance its realpolitik interests with its value-driven foreign policy narrative.

2. Domestic Pushback and Political Sensitivities

The decision to host a Taliban leader could be politically contentious at home. Critics may argue that the move contradicts India’s traditional stance against religious extremism and could alienate segments of the Indian population, particularly those concerned about Afghanistan’s treatment of women and minorities.

3. Diplomatic Tightrope with Global Allies

India’s growing alignment with the U.S., European Union, and QUAD partners could be strained if the visit is interpreted as legitimizing the Taliban regime. New Delhi will need to carefully frame the visit as part of a regional security dialogue or humanitarian engagement rather than a shift in formal recognition policy, in order to maintain its strategic autonomy without antagonizing key allies.

Conclusion

By inviting the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, India appears to be testing a diplomatic reset aimed at securing its strategic interests in Afghanistan and the broader region. While this engagement underscores India’s growing pragmatism in foreign policy, it also puts the country on a delicate diplomatic tightrope, where security interests, regional influence, and normative values must all be balanced. The outcome of this visit—and how it’s perceived both at home and abroad—could significantly shape the trajectory of India’s Afghan policy in the years to come.