India-Taliban Contact Signals Possible Diplomatic Reset Amid Regional Tensions

In a significant diplomatic development, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking the first high-level political contact between India and the Afghan regime since the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021.

The conversation, held on May 15, came shortly after the Taliban condemned the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead. The attackers were linked to Pakistan-based terror outfits, and Kabul’s swift condemnation has been noted as a rare moment of alignment with New Delhi’s stance on terrorism.

Jaishankar acknowledged this gesture on social media, stating, “Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.” He also reaffirmed India’s traditional friendship with the Afghan people and expressed willingness to support their developmental needs.

Although India has not officially recognized the Taliban government, this phone call signals a potential thaw in ties and a pragmatic shift in New Delhi’s Afghanistan policy. With Pakistan facing international scrutiny over cross-border terrorism, the Taliban’s outreach could be a strategic move to distance itself from Islamabad and improve ties with regional powers like India.

This engagement occurs at a time when India’s relations with Pakistan remain tense and ties with nations sympathetic to Islamabad, like Turkey, have recently soured. In this backdrop, the Taliban’s overture to India may represent an effort to reposition itself geopolitically.

While no formal policy changes have been announced, the conversation suggests a quiet recalibration, driven by evolving regional dynamics. Whether this leads to a more structured engagement or remains a symbolic gesture will depend on future developments on the ground.