INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
In a significant diplomatic development, Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam
Jaishankar on Thursday held a wide-ranging telephonic conversation aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing regional
cooperation.
According to a statement released by the Afghan foreign ministry, the discussion focused on enhancing bilateral relations,
promoting trade, and upgrading diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Calling India a key regional country with historical
relation with Afghanistan, Muttaqi expressed hope for further strengthening relations, reiterating Afghanistan’s commitment to a balanced
foreign policy and constructive engagement with all sides.
Among the key issues raised by the Afghan side were requests to streamline visa
processes for Afghan businessmen and medical patients, as well as appeals for the release and repatriation of Afghan nationals imprisoned in
India.
Jaishankar responded positively, assuring progress on both fronts and highlighting joint political and economic efforts between the
two nations.
Both ministers also underscored the strategic importance of Chabahar Port, a key regional transit hub jointly developed by
India and Iran, and expressed mutual interest in accelerating its use to boost regional trade and connectivity.
Jaishankar also said in a
post on X that he expressed appreciation for Muttaqi’s condemnation of the recent attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
He also welcomed the Muttaqi’s clear rejection of “false and baseless reports” that aimed to create distrust between the two
countries.
Reaffirming India’s traditional friendship with the Afghan people, Jaishankar emphasized continued support for Afghanistan’s
development needs and discussed pathways for future cooperation.
The call marks a notable effort by both New Delhi and Kabul to maintain and
strengthen their historically close relations, despite broader geopolitical complexities and the absence of formal diplomatic recognition of
the current Afghan government by India.
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