Following the cessation of hostilities with Pakistan, India has initiated its first government-level engagement with Afghanistan since the Taliban assumed control in August 2021.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, during which he expressed appreciation for the latter’s condemnation of the recent attacks in Pahalgam.
In the call on Thursday, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s longstanding friendship with the Afghan people.
This high-level contact comes amid claims in a section of the Pakistani media alleging that India had “hired” the Taliban to carry out a “false flag” operation in Pahalgam.
Jaishankar also wrote on X, “Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.”
Good conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this evening.
Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 15, 2025
“Welcomed his [Muttaqi] firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.”
IEA-Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi held a telephonic conversation with the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar.
The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral relations, promoting trade, and upgrading diplomatic engagement… pic.twitter.com/08LGpOIkWf
— Hafiz Zia Ahmad (@HafizZiaAhmad) May 15, 2025
Acknowledging the contact on X, the Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) spokesperson Hafiz Zia Ahmad said, “IEA-Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi held a telephonic conversation with the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar.”
“The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral relations, promoting trade, and upgrading diplomatic engagement.”
