EAM Jaishankar speaks with Afghan counterpart to expand ties amid tensions with Pakistan

Amid tensions with Pakistan, India is taking concrete steps to improve its ties with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holding telephone conversation with his counterpart in Kabul.

“Good conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this evening. Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack,” Jaishankar wrote on X.

“Welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports. Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continuing support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward,” Jaishankar further wrote.


Within days after the Pahalgam attack an Indian delegation from MEA had travelled to Kabul to meet Muttaqi and other senior Ministers. They discussed Indian development assistance and investment opportunities in Afghanistan.

India has stepped up its humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan including for refugees whom Pakistan has thrown out.

Afghanistan's ties with Pakistan have been deteriorating fast over the question of identity and boundary issue.

Muttaqi referred to India as a key regional country and highlighted the historic nature of Afghanistan–India relations, expressing optimism that these ties will grow stronger. He also reiterated Afghanistan’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy and the pursuit of constructive relations with all nations.

In the conversation, FM Muttaqi requested facilitation in issuing visas for Afghan traders and patients, and called for the release and return of Afghan prisoners currently held in India.

Jaishankar echoed the view that India shares historic ties with Afghanistan and reaffirmed India’s intention to continue its cooperation with the country. He underlined the importance of collaboration in political and economic spheres.

Jaishankar also assured prompt attention to the issue of Afghan prisoners and pledged to streamline the visa process.

Additionally, both sides emphasized on the development of the Chabahar Port.