Before Meeting Jaishankar, Taliban Makes Major Demand – Will India Accept Afghanistan’s Request?

Taliban Makes Major Demand: Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, is on his first visit to India. He arrived in New Delhi on Thursday and will meet with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Friday. However, just before this, the Taliban had demanded that India formally recognize its government.

Suhail Shaheen, head of the Taliban's diplomatic office in Qatar, told The Times of India that this is the first high-level visit and should be seen as 'the beginning of a new phase' between the two countries. Shaheen said that now both the governments should further elevate bilateral relations and recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), so that the way for cooperation in various fields can be opened.

Situation of india

However, the question of recognition is sensitive for India. Delhi has already said that its policy will be in accordance with the stance of the international community. Many countries have diplomatically accepted the Taliban's appointments, but Russia is the only country to formally recognize the government. India has repeatedly said that it wants a sovereign, democratic, and peace-loving Afghanistan, where the rights of all communities—women, children, and minorities—are protected. Also, India wants that Afghanistan's land should not be used against India.

India is providing assistance

India has continued its cooperation with Afghanistan. India looks forward to enhancing development projects and humanitarian assistance in Kabul. Currently India's projects are spread across 34 provinces of Afghanistan, and new projects are also planned.

The United Nations Security Council had lifted the travel ban on Muttaqi, allowing him to visit India. India's readiness to host him indicates the growing trust between the two countries. This visit is taking place at a time when Pakistan has carried out air strikes in Afghanistan. Apart from Delhi, Muttaki's program also includes visits to Agra and Deoband.