Afghan Taliban foreign minister begins first India visit | International

NEW DELHI, Oct 9, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Afghanistan's UN-sanctioned foreign minister arrived in India on Thursday, the first visit by a top Taliban leader since they returned to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces. Amir Khan Muttaqi's trip -- made possible after the UN Security Council granted him a travel waiver -- is expected to be closely watched by India's arch-rival Pakistan, as New Delhi deepens its engagement with the Taliban government. "We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues," Indian foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement, offering Muttaqi a "warm welcome". Muttaqi, who met with India's top career diplomat Vikram Misri in January in Dubai, is set...