India MEA Secretary calls on Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister, Express Willingness to Expand Trade through Chabahar Port

Defense News ,India :-  In a recent diplomatic development, the Ministry of External Affairs Joint Secretary for the Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran (PAI) division, JP Singh, engaged in a meeting with Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, appointed by the Taliban. The discussions primarily revolved around India's keenness to expand relations with Kabul and foster trade through the Chabahar Port.

During the meeting, the leaders delved into comprehensive talks on various aspects of India-Afghan bilateral relations, addressing economic and transit issues between the two nations. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared insights on the meeting, emphasizing the focus on Afghanistan-India relations, economic collaboration, transit matters, and joint efforts against ISKP and corruption in the country.

JP Singh conveyed India's interest in broadening both political and economic cooperation with Afghanistan, emphasizing the potential for increased trade via the Chabahar Port. Minister Muttaqi acknowledged India's humanitarian assistance and expressed a reciprocal interest in strengthening political and economic ties.

"Extending gratitude to India for its humanitarian assistance, FM Muttaqi said that in line with our balanced foreign policy, IEA seeks to strengthen political & economic relations with India as an important actor in the region. In the end, FM Muttaqi urged India's Joint Secretary to facilitate the visa issuance process for Afghan businessmen, patients and students," Balkhi shared.

This recent interaction builds on previous engagements between Indian representatives and Afghanistan's Taliban-appointed Foreign Minister, where India expressed active participation in international and regional initiatives for Afghanistan's stability and development. Notably, India provided crucial aid to Afghanistan by supplying 40,000 litres of Malathion, a pesticide utilized to combat locust infestations, through the Chabahar Port on January 23.

The Taliban-controlled Ministry of Agriculture expressed gratitude for India's assistance, recognizing its significance in safeguarding crops and ensuring food security in Afghanistan. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in Afghanistan also commended India for its contribution amid the challenges posed by international isolation and economic turmoil following the Taliban's takeover in 2021.