Thu Jan 09 04:34:47 UTC 2025: ## India and Taliban Hold High-Level Talks in Dubai, Pledging Increased Cooperation

**Dubai, UAE –** In a significant development, India and the Afghan Taliban held high-level talks in Dubai on Wednesday, signaling a potential thaw in bilateral relations. The meeting, attended by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, focused on boosting cooperation across various sectors.

The discussions covered humanitarian aid, development assistance, trade, commerce, sports, cultural exchange, regional security, and crucial infrastructure projects like the Chabahar Port in Iran, a vital supply route for Afghanistan. India reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian support to Afghanistan, including healthcare assistance, medicine supplies, and refugee rehabilitation. This follows previous aid shipments including wheat, medicines, earthquake relief supplies, and vaccines.

India also expressed its readiness to engage in future development projects in Afghanistan, addressing the country’s urgent developmental needs. Afghanistan, in turn, acknowledged India’s regional security concerns and pledged full cooperation. Both sides agreed to utilize the Chabahar Port to facilitate trade and humanitarian aid. The importance of historical and cultural ties between the two nations, and the strengthening of sporting ties, particularly cricket, were also emphasized.

The meeting comes just two days after India strongly condemned recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan that killed 46 people, including women and children. India’s condemnation highlighted Pakistan’s history of blaming its neighbours for internal issues. The Afghan government had also issued a stern warning to Pakistan following the attacks. This context underscores the complexities of the regional dynamics influencing India-Afghanistan relations. While the meeting represents a step towards improved ties, the ongoing regional instability continues to present challenges.

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