India-Taliban Talks In Dubai: Chabahar Port, Security Concerns, Humanitarian Aid And Development Plans Discussed

India's foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, met the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai on Wednesday (8 January), marking the first officially acknowledged interaction at this level.

The meeting is part of India’s ongoing outreach to the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which New Delhi does not formally recognise.

During the discussions, the Afghan side conveyed its “sensitivities to India’s security concerns”, according to a statement from External Affairs Ministry.

India has long-standing concerns about the presence of Pakistan-based terror groups, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), operating in Afghanistan.

The Indian delegation has previously urged the Taliban to prevent Afghan soil from being used by anti-India elements.

In response to a request from the Taliban, India pledged to provide “further material support in the first instance to the health sector and for the rehabilitation of refugees”.

This offer comes amidst Pakistan’s recent expulsion of over 500,000 Afghan refugees, adding to the challenges faced by Afghanistan.

The two sides also discussed enhancing bilateral ties and regional developments. They agreed to promote the use of Chabahar port in Iran for trade and humanitarian assistance.

An Indian state-run firm operates a terminal at the port, which has become a key trans-shipment hub, allowing India to bypass Pakistan while delivering aid to Afghanistan.

Misri emphasised India’s “historic friendship with the Afghan people” and reaffirmed “India’s readiness to respond to the urgent developmental needs of the Afghan people”.

The meeting also touched on strengthening sports cooperation, particularly in cricket, and assessed ongoing Indian humanitarian programmes.

Muttaqi expressed gratitude to India for “continuing to engage and support the people of Afghanistan”. The readout noted that India is considering future development projects in Afghanistan alongside its existing humanitarian efforts.

India’s humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan has included shipments of wheat, medicines, vaccines, and earthquake relief aid. Despite the Taliban takeover in 2021, India re-established a limited diplomatic presence in Kabul in 2022.

The meeting occurred days after India condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in Afghanistan, which killed dozens of civilians, including women and children.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular contact and continue discussions at various levels.

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