Fri Oct 10 18:25:24 UTC 2025: **The Hindu: India Considers Stronger Trade Ties with Afghanistan Amid Security Assurances**
**NEW DELHI, October 10, 2025** – In a rare and significant visit, the Foreign Minister of the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, addressed the media in New Delhi today, pitching for stronger bilateral trade ties with India and offering assurances that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorist activities.
This marks the first time a high-level Taliban leader has been hosted by India, although India has yet to formally recognize the Taliban. Mr. Muttaqi emphasized during the press conference held at the Afghan embassy that the Taliban has successfully pushed out terror groups from Pakistan, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, that previously used Afghan territory for training. He stated, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has proved in the past four years that the territory of Afghanistan will not be used against others.”
While Mr. Muttaqi dismissed the need for joint counter-terrorism operations with India, asserting that no threat emanates from Afghanistan targeting any country, he underscored the importance of economic cooperation. He urged India and Pakistan to keep the Wagah border crossing open, calling it a vital and economically viable trade route for Afghanistan. Mr. Muttaqi also encouraged India to increase its use of the Iranian port of Chabahar, acknowledging that US sanctions present some obstacles. Trade between India and Afghanistan has surpassed $1 billion in the past year.
The Foreign Minister rejected claims that Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul, downplaying reports of the alleged incident. He also affirmed the Taliban’s refusal to hand over the Bagram airbase to the United States.
The press conference, however, faced criticism for its all-male composition and the exclusion of female journalists. Mr. Muttaqi defended the Taliban’s record on women’s rights, claiming improvements in law and order and dismissing international criticism as propaganda.
Tensions flared before the conference when officials representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, who still manage the Afghan embassy in Delhi, challenged the removal of the Afghan flag.
Despite the lack of formal recognition, Mr. Muttaqi promised to send Taliban diplomats to the Afghan embassy, signaling a potential upgrade in diplomatic relations. He is scheduled to visit Darul Uloom in Deoband on Saturday for meetings with students and teachers.
First Piper 