Is Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor Set to Become Afghanistan's Next Envoy?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor is expected to be appointed as Afghanistan's next envoy to India.
- The appointment comes amid strengthening bilateral relations between India and Afghanistan.
- India continues to provide aid to Afghanistan despite not recognizing the Taliban regime.
- The Chabahar Port is vital for enhancing trade and connectivity.
- India's exports to Afghanistan include various essential goods.
New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) As the relationship between India and Afghanistan continues to strengthen, two Taliban diplomats are anticipated to assume control of the Afghan embassy in New Delhi. Sources indicate that Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, the Director General of the First Political Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, is expected to become the next Charge d'Affaires.
Insiders reveal that the first Taliban representative is set to arrive in New Delhi by the end of this month, while Mufti Noor is anticipated to arrive either at the close of this year or in January 2026.
In recent months, India and Afghanistan have experienced a significant enhancement in their bilateral relations, particularly following Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's week-long visit in October.
It is worth noting that Mufti Noor was part of FM Muttaqi's delegation during this visit to New Delhi.
While India has yet to officially recognize the Taliban regime, it has emerged as a crucial donor of aid, providing essential supplies and medical assistance.
Additionally, Taliban-appointed diplomats are currently managing Afghan consulates in both Mumbai and Hyderabad.
Currently, Mohammad Ibrahim Khil, who was designated by the previous government of former President Ashraf Ghani, serves as the Charge d'Affaires of the Afghan embassy in New Delhi.
Amid ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, the Taliban's Minister of Industry and Commerce, commenced a five-day visit to New Delhi on November 19.
During this visit, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Minister Azizi met to explore strategies for enhancing trade, connectivity, and interpersonal relations between the two countries.
In this meeting, EAM Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to the development and welfare of the Afghan populace.
The high-profile Afghan delegation aims to activate and optimize the usage of the India-developed Chabahar Port in Iran while attracting further investments.
On Wednesday evening, the Afghan minister participated in the India International Trade Fair (IITF) to bolster bilateral trade and investment relations.
Minister Azizi explored various stalls at the fair, including those from Afghan traders showcasing local products. After the tour, he engaged with Afghan traders in India to discuss opportunities for market access and expansion.
This visit marks the first participation of an Afghan minister at the ITPO since 2021 and occurs amidst rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including border closures that hinder exports. This situation has compelled Afghanistan to broaden its trade relations with India.
Key Indian exports to Afghanistan include pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery, and food items such as sugar, tea, and rice, while imports consist of agricultural products and minerals.
Afghanistan is also pursuing Indian investments in its mining sector and hydroelectric projects while exploring alternative routes to bypass Pakistan for improved connectivity.