New Delhi, Oct 11 (NationPress) Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, engaged with Indian analysts and scholars at an event hosted by the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) in New Delhi. The audience, which included prominent female intellectuals, was captivated as Muttaqi discussed the profound ties between his nation and India.

"The discussion highlighted the significant economic, historical, cultural, and civilizational connections that bind the two nations. His reference to Rabindranath Tagore's Kabuliwala resonated deeply with attendees," the think tank specializing in foreign policy, national security, and public policy shared on X, accompanied by several pictures from the event.

Currently on a week-long trip to India, the Afghan Foreign Minister aims to bolster the historic relations between the two countries.

On Saturday, Muttaqi visited the historic Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh, where he engaged with religious scholars at the Islamic seminary.

This visit marks the first time a senior Taliban leader has visited Darul Uloom Deoband since the regime shift in Afghanistan.

Darul Uloom Deoband holds crucial symbolic and ideological significance for the Taliban. Many senior Taliban figures are alumni of Darul Uloom Haqqania in Pakistan, which was modeled after the Deoband institution.

On Sunday, Muttaqi plans to visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, followed by discussions with Indian business leaders at an event organized by a prominent chamber of commerce in New Delhi the following day.

Initially scheduled weeks ago, Muttaqi's visit was postponed due to the absence of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) travel ban exemption. However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed last week that the UNSC Committee has now granted the exemption, allowing the visit to proceed.

On Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Afghan counterpart in New Delhi to discuss India's support for Afghanistan's development, bilateral trade, territorial integrity, and people-to-people ties, among other topics.

Jaishankar remarked that Muttaqi's visit signifies an "important step" in enhancing bilateral relations and announced the donation of five ambulances to Afghanistan.

After their discussions, Jaishankar shared on X, "I was pleased to meet FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan today in New Delhi. This visit marks a significant advancement in our ties and reaffirms the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan. We discussed India's support for Afghanistan's development, our bilateral trade, territorial integrity and independence, and more. India will elevate its Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of an Embassy."

"Additionally, we provided five ambulances to FM Muttaqi. This is part of a larger donation of 20 ambulances and other medical supplies, reflecting our longstanding commitment to the Afghan people," Jaishankar noted in another post on X.

During his opening remarks with Muttaqi, Jaishankar reiterated New Delhi's commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, announcing the upgrade of India's Technical Mission in Kabul to an Embassy status. He recalled previous discussions with the Afghan Foreign Minister following the April 22 Pahalgam attack and earthquakes in Kunar and Nangarhar.

"India is fully committed to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. Strengthening cooperation between our nations contributes to your national development and enhances regional stability. To that end, I am pleased to announce today the upgrade of India's Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of an Embassy," he stated.

Highlighting that Kabul has always valued its relationship with India, Muttaqi assured that Afghanistan will not permit its territory to be used against other nations.

"Throughout the American occupation, we experienced many fluctuations; however, we never issued statements against India and consistently valued our relationship. We will not allow any forces to threaten or use our territory against others. This is a regional challenge, and Afghanistan is at the forefront of this struggle. The need for our region is to address this issue together for the mutual prosperity of both nations," Muttaqi asserted during his meeting with Jaishankar.

Referring to India as "the first responder," the Afghan Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for India's humanitarian assistance following the earthquake in Afghanistan.

"During the recent earthquake, India was the first on the scene. Afghanistan regards India as a close ally. We desire relations founded on mutual respect, trade, and people-to-people connections," he expressed.

Thanking India for its warm hospitality, the Afghan Foreign Minister remarked, "India is a historic and vital country in this region. Our civilizational and people-to-people ties have existed for centuries, transcending geography to encompass culture, commerce, and other connections that unite our two nations."

Muttaqi further stated that Afghanistan is prepared to establish a framework of understanding between the two countries to foster stronger relations.