Delhi’s diplomatic dare: India hosts Taliban FM, sparks global scrutiny

In a move drawing regional and international scrutiny, India has allowed Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi — a man listed under UN sanctions for terrorism — to visit New Delhi on an eight-day official trip beginning Thursday. Muttaqi’s arrival comes after a special exemption was granted by the UN Security Council Committee, as confirmed by Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The timing, however, has sparked speculation — coinciding with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s first visit to India, where trade and defence cooperation are high on the agenda. Observers say India’s decision to host a senior Taliban leader exposes a deep contradiction in its foreign policy — claiming to champion democracy and human rights while...