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India and Afghanistan Hold Key Meeting in Dubai to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

  • 08 Jan 2025 11:06 PM
  • India Afghanistan relations, Taliban India meeting, Afghanistan Taliban government

A significant high-level meeting took place in Dubai between senior Indian officials and the Afghan Taliban leadership. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India, while Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi attended on behalf of the Taliban government. The meeting, which is vital for fostering stronger bilateral relations, aimed to improve cooperation across various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, trade, and security.

One of the key agenda items was India's continued support for Afghanistan, including humanitarian aid such as medical supplies, wheat shipments, and assistance for refugees. India also pledged further developmental help, particularly in the healthcare sector. The two countries discussed utilizing the Chabahar Port, located in Iran, for supporting trade and commerce between them, especially for Afghanistan's humanitarian needs.

India's support for Afghanistan has remained consistent since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, with several shipments of aid already sent. Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for India's continued involvement and assured cooperation on regional security concerns.

The meeting also touched upon the importance of cultural and sporting ties, with cricket, which is widely loved by both countries, being one of the points of discussion. Furthermore, the meeting occurred just days after India condemned the Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Paktika province, which had resulted in the deaths of 46 people, including women and children.

Both sides agreed to explore more avenues for cooperation and strengthen their historic ties, with India offering to assist Afghanistan in its urgent developmental projects. The talks also highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

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