India welcomed Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during a week‑long visit that began on Thursday. The two leaders met on Friday in New Delhi and opened a new chapter in the country’s ties, the first high‑level Afghan delegation to India since the Taliban took power in 2021.
### Mining and development talks
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India is grateful for Afghanistan’s invitation to discuss mining opportunities. “We can sit down and explore those ideas in depth,” he said. Jaishankar reminded the Afghan side that India has already completed several development projects in Afghanistan and is ready to keep them running or finish new projects the two countries have agreed on. The minister also said teams would meet to look at other Afghan priorities.
### Rebuilding after the earthquake
India announced it will help rebuild homes in the earthquake‑hit districts of Kunar and Nangahar. The blast that struck in August caused widespread damage. “India will deliver a new consignment of relief goods to Kabul today,” Jaishankar added. He also highlighted plans to build homes for Afghan refugees who were forcibly repatriated, and pledged ongoing material support for their return.
### Trade, flights and visas
The minister mentioned that new flights between Kabul and New Delhi were scheduled to run shortly after the meeting. “More people can travel for work or study now,” he said. India also introduced a new visa system in April 2025 that will issue more visas for medical, business and student purposes.
### Education and sports
Jaishankar said India has long supported Afghan students, and plans to expand university placements. “We will open more doors for Afghan learners to study in India,” he told reporters. When asked about cricket, he praised Afghan players and expressed India’s readiness to deepen support for Afghan cricket.
### Solidarity and security
The minister appreciated Afghanistan’s support after the Pahalgam terror attack and also noted the country’s sensitivity to India’s security concerns.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit, which ran from October 9 to 16, marked a historic moment in Indo‑Afghan relations. The United Nations Security Council granted a temporary exemption from travel‑restriction rules that let him stay in India for the week. Afghan public‑relations chief Zia Ahmad Takal said the visit should bring further expansion of ties between the two capitals.
Source: aninews
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