India Considers Development Projects In Afghanistan, Strengthens Ties With Taliban

India has expressed interest in launching major development projects in Afghanistan, according to its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish.

During a UN Security Council session on Afghanistan on 10 March, Harish stated that India is closely monitoring the situation and engaging with the Taliban regime on bilateral issues. He highlighted the “special people-to-people ties” as the foundation of India’s current engagement with Afghanistan.

Harish pointed to the meeting between India’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Vikram Misri, and Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai on 8 January. He said the discussions covered bilateral relations and regional developments.

He noted that Taliban’s representatives appreciated India’s continued support. As a result, India is now considering new development projects, alongside its ongoing humanitarian efforts.

Harish reaffirmed India’s longstanding ties with Afghanistan. He said India remains committed to humanitarian assistance and supports international efforts for stability in Afghanistan.

Since August 2021, India has provided 27 tons of relief materials, 50,000 tons of wheat, 40,000 litres of pesticides and over 300 tons of medicine and medical equipment.

India has also collaborated with UNODC to support drug addicts, particularly women. Since 2022, it has supplied 11,000 hygiene kits ,baby food, clothing, and medical aid and over 30 tons of social support items.

India is strengthening ties with the Taliban. It plans to hand over Afghanistan’s embassy in Delhi to Taliban representatives and has accepted some Taliban diplomats.