Is Delhi Ready for a Diplomatic Game-Changer with Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi’s Visit?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- FM Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit is highly anticipated.
- Preparations for key meetings with Indian officials are underway.
- This visit is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts between New Delhi and Taliban representatives.
- FM Muttaqi's arrival follows his participation in Moscow consultations.
- Previous visits from Afghan officials indicate growing ties.
New Delhi, Oct 8 (NationPress) With just a day left until the highly anticipated arrival of Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, preparations are in full swing to host one of the most prominent figures in the Taliban leadership.
According to sources from IANS, three crucial officials from Kabul made their way to the capital in recent days to finalize plans, which include determining whom FM Muttaqi will meet.
These officials comprise a senior representative from the sectors of trade, politics, and health.
Among them is Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, the Director General of the First Political Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan.
It’s important to note that this is not his inaugural visit to the Indian capital, as he was here a few weeks ago.
In addition to him, there are two other mid-level officials accompanying him.
According to informed individuals, FM Muttaqi is expected to engage with NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on October 10.
There is also a strong likelihood that FM Muttaqi will hold a press conference for a select group of journalists.
He will arrive in New Delhi from Moscow, where he participated in the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan on October 7.
Previously reported by IANS, Muttaqi was slated to visit India weeks ago but could not secure a travel ban exemption from the United Nations Security Council.
This visit is part of ongoing diplomatic interactions between New Delhi and the Taliban regime over recent months, which included Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's meeting with Muttaqi earlier this year in January.
Several significant officials from Kabul have visited New Delhi in recent months, including Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Medicine and Food, Hamdullah Zahid, who was in the Indian capital last month for the 11th edition of the International Exhibition on Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare.
Additionally, another senior Taliban official dealing with security and strategic matters, whose name remains undisclosed, visited New Delhi last month and departed just a few days ago.