According to media reports, the Taliban officials accompanying Muttaqi finalised the attendee list, disregarding Indian authorities’ suggestion to include at least one woman journalist. It remains unclear whether India was informed in advance about the decision.
Reacting to the incident, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed condemned the move, saying, “Who are they to impose their discriminatory agenda on our soil?” The exclusion of women journalists has reignited debate over press freedom and gender equality in diplomatic events involving the Taliban.
Muttaqi Reiterates Afghan Sovereignty: 'No Foreign Forces on Our Soil'
During the press conference, Muttaqi reiterated that Afghanistan will not hand over the Bagram Airbase or allow its territory to be used by any foreign power.
“The Afghan people will never accept foreign forces on our land. Any country wishing to build relations with Afghanistan must do so through diplomacy, not military presence,” he stated.
His comments followed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks expressing a desire to regain control of the Bagram Airbase, warning of “serious consequences” if denied.
Muttaqi’s firm stance underscored the Taliban government’s emphasis on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and diplomatic engagement over foreign interference.
Taliban FM Highlights India-Afghanistan Ties
During his visit, Muttaqi praised India’s historic and cultural ties with Afghanistan, describing India as a “close friend” that has consistently supported the Afghan people during crises.
He thanked India for being the first country to send humanitarian aid to Herat following the recent earthquake and invited Indian investment in Afghanistan’s mineral and energy sectors, including lithium, copper, and rare earth minerals crucial to modern technology industries.
“We look forward to working with India to utilize Afghanistan’s rich resources for mutual economic growth,” he said.
Muttaqi’s India visit, scheduled from October 9 to 16, includes meetings with key political leaders, business representatives, and cultural visits.
India Reaffirms Commitment to Afghanistan’s Development
During bilateral talks with Muttaqi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s development, sovereignty, and independence.
Jaishankar appreciated Kabul’s efforts in combating terrorism and acknowledged its cooperation following the Pahalgam terror attack, describing it as “commendable.”
In a major diplomatic move, Jaishankar announced that India’s technical mission in Kabul will be upgraded to a full-fledged embassy, signaling New Delhi’s intent to deepen engagement with the Taliban government and strengthen regional stability.
Diplomatic Challenge: The Flag Issue
Despite growing interaction, India has not officially recognised the Taliban regime, and therefore does not permit the Taliban flag to be displayed at the Afghan Embassy in Delhi.
The embassy continues to fly the flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, led by ousted President Ashraf Ghani, as has been the case since 2021.
The issue of flag protocol has previously surfaced during meetings between Indian officials and Taliban representatives — most notably in Dubai in January, when neither side displayed national flags during talks.
Beyond Politics: Muttaqi’s Cultural Visits
Muttaqi’s itinerary extends beyond diplomacy. On October 11, he will visit Darul Uloom Deoband, the historic Islamic seminary in Saharanpur, considered an ideological hub for the global Muslim community.
The seminary inspired Darul Uloom Haqqania in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — often dubbed “the University of the Taliban” — where key Taliban leaders, including Mullah Omar, Jalaluddin Haqqani, and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, once studied.
On October 12, Muttaqi will visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, followed by meetings with Indian business and industry leaders in Delhi, organised by a prominent Chamber of Commerce.
His main political meeting is scheduled for October 10 at Hyderabad House, where he will hold formal talks with Jaishankar. Media reports suggest he may also meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to discuss counterterrorism cooperation, humanitarian aid, and student and trade visas.
Experts: ‘India Now Taking Taliban Government Seriously’
According to Dr. Rajan Raj, international relations expert and professor at JNU, India’s growing engagement with the Taliban reflects a pragmatic shift in foreign policy.
“India seems to have accepted that the Taliban are here to stay. Dialogue is necessary to safeguard India’s long-term interests in Afghanistan,” he said.
He noted that the Taliban’s internal consolidation has brought stability compared to earlier regimes.
“Earlier, Hamid Karzai was seen as the ‘Mayor of Kabul,’ with the rest of the country under Taliban control. Now, the Taliban have brought most factions under one government,” Rajan added.
Meanwhile, Professor Omair Anas observed that the previous Western-backed government in Kabul lacked popular support, which allowed Pakistan and other neighbors to exploit Afghanistan’s instability.
“With the Taliban in power, Afghanistan is now presenting itself as a strong, unified state,” he said.
Why Friendship with India Matters to Afghanistan
Experts believe Afghanistan views India as a gateway to easing international sanctions and rebuilding its economy.
“Through India, Afghanistan can seek economic relief and investment,” said Rajan. “India’s humanitarian aid during the recent earthquake was also a major confidence-building gesture.”
He added that India’s decision to engage with the Taliban is driven by both strategic necessity and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), as major global powers — including Russia, China, and the U.S. — are already holding talks with Kabul.
“If India stayed out, it risked losing influence in South Asia. Moreover, by maintaining dialogue, India ensures that Afghan soil is not used by radical groups against it,” Rajan explained.
In essence, while formal recognition may still be distant, India’s evolving diplomacy signals a realistic, security-conscious approach toward the Taliban-led Afghanistan.
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