New Delhi: A visiting senior Indian diplomat has apparently conveyed that New Delhi aims to strengthen economic relations with Afghanistan by facilitating trade through the Chabahar port, even as the Taliban regime has once again requested India to restart issuing visas for businessmen, students and patients.On Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs’ joint secretary J.P. Singh called on the acting Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in his office. He was accompanied by MEA officials as well as the head of the Indian technical team.Despite India’s non-recognition of the Taliban regime, its officials have maintained regular engagements with authorities in Kabul. Singh’s visit marks his fourth to Afghanistan since the fall of the Republic in August 2021.There was no statement from the Indian side about the talks. But the Taliban foreign ministry spokesperson tweeted that Singh conveyed to Muttaqi that India was “interested in expand[ing] political & economic cooperation with Afghanistan, & enhancing trade via Chabahar port”.In response, Muttaqi also said that the Taliban government “seeks to strengthen political & economic relations with India as an important actor in the region”.He also called on the Indian diplomat to “facilitate visa issuance process for Afghan businessmen, patients & students”, as per the Taliban spokesperson.India continues to maintain strict limitations on granting visas to Afghan nationals in the aftermath of the Taliban’s resurgence to power, with no signs of relaxation thus far.The Indian side also reportedly appreciated Taliban for “ensuring overall security & stability”, as well as combating narcotics trade in the region.Even as India commended Taliban for bringing stability, Pakistan has called on the international community to put pressure on Kabul to terminate their relationship with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).Speaking at a special meeting of the UN Security Council on Afghanistan, Pakistan claimed that the TTP could “soon pose a global terrorist threat” if left unchecked.The Indian diplomatic delegation had also called on former President Hamid Karzai at his residence in Kabul.
