India is continuing efforts to host Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban's acting foreign minister, in New Delhi despite his UN travel ban, according to officials. Muttaqi, sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council in 2001, was due to visit in August but failed to secure a waiver.
Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Singh Jaiswal stated that India maintains engagement with Afghan authorities, citing longstanding ties and support for the Afghan people. Sources indicated that a waiver was sought from the UNSC but blocked, reportedly by Pakistan, which leads the 1988 sanctions committee overseeing travel bans on Taliban leaders.
The visit, if realised, would place India among a small group of nations, including China and Russia, that have hosted the sanctioned Taliban leader. This comes despite criticism over the Taliban's policies restricting women's rights, including bans on education and employment.
India has gradually increased diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, including high-level meetings in Qatar and Kabul. In January, India's foreign secretary met Muttaqi in Dubai to discuss bilateral ties, security concerns, and humanitarian aid. In May, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Muttaqi, who condemned a terrorist attack in Kashmir.
India has not officially recognised the Taliban but continues to explore avenues for cooperation, including trade through Iran's Chabahar Port and development projects in Afghanistan. The planned visit is expected to proceed once the travel ban waiver is resolved, in the interest of regional cooperation.
