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The development comes just weeks after the cancellation of Amir Khan Muttaqi’s scheduled visit to Pakistan, which had similarly sought a temporary waiver from UNSC travel committee
As a sanctioned individual under the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1988 regime, targeting Taliban leaders, Muttaqi cannot travel internationally without prior approval from the committee. (Getty)
In a significant diplomatic development that could mark a thaw in India-Afghanistan ties under the Taliban regime, the Indian government has extended an official invitation to Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to visit New Delhi.
Top diplomatic sources told CNN-News18 that the visit is tentatively scheduled for later this week, but its finalisation hinges on securing a travel waiver from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions committee.
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India has formally approached the UNSC travel committee to seek special permission for Muttaqi’s travel. As a sanctioned individual under the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1988 regime, targeting Taliban leaders, Muttaqi cannot travel internationally without prior approval from the committee.
“New Delhi has completed all logistical and diplomatic preparations for the Afghan foreign minister’s visit,” said a source. “We are now awaiting a decision from the UNSC’s travel committee. Once that is granted, the exact dates will be finalised.”
Sources within Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, currently under Taliban control, also confirmed the proposed visit. “The Indian invitation has been received, and the foreign minister is scheduled to travel to India later this week, subject to the travel approval,” said a senior official in Kabul.
If the visit proceeds as planned, it would mark the first official visit of a high-ranking Taliban minister to India since the group seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US and NATO troops.
Setback For Pakistan, Diplomatic Gain For India?
The development comes just weeks after the cancellation of Muttaqi’s scheduled visit to Pakistan, which had similarly sought a temporary waiver from the UNSC travel committee. That request was reportedly blocked, with the United States said to have opposed it—a stance it may take again regarding India’s request.
A source at the United Nations in New York told CNN-News18 that the travel committee is reviewing India’s waiver request and a decision is expected soon. However, the US is “likely to raise objections”, echoing its disapproval of Pakistan’s recent attempt to invite the Afghan foreign minister.
“If approved, it would be a significant diplomatic win for New Delhi, particularly in contrast to Islamabad’s failure to secure a similar waiver,” said the source. “It could signal the beginning of a cautious re-engagement with Kabul.”
Taliban Leaders Still Under Sanctions
Many senior Taliban officials remain subject to United Nations sanctions, including travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes, imposed by the Security Council since the group was designated for harbouring al-Qaeda following the 9/11 attacks. These sanctions continue under UNSC Resolution 1988, despite the Taliban’s return to power.
India’s engagement with the Taliban regime has so far remained limited, largely restricted to humanitarian aid and technical assistance, without formally recognising the government. However, the reopening of its embassy in Kabul in 2022 with a technical team signalled India’s intent to maintain some level of functional contact with the de facto authorities.
If Muttaqi’s visit is cleared, it could pave the way for deeper diplomatic dialogue on issues of regional security, trade, connectivity, and humanitarian cooperation. Afghanistan remains strategically important for India, especially as it concerns counter-terrorism efforts and its broader outreach in Central Asia.
While Pakistan has long been seen as the Taliban’s closest external partner, India’s potential hosting of Muttaqi—even without full diplomatic recognition—may signal a new phase of competition and repositioning in South Asia’s complex geopolitical matrix.
About the Author
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
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