New Delhi: Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, arrived in India on Thursday (October 9, 2025) for a weeklong visit, marking the first official delegation from Kabul to New Delhi since the Taliban assumed power in August 2021. The visit, scheduled to continue until October 16, aims to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.
Diplomatic dilemma over flags
Muttaqi is slated to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday, raising a diplomatic protocol challenge for India. Traditionally, flags of both countries are displayed behind the leaders or on the table during official meetings. However, India has not formally recognised the Taliban government, and the Afghan Embassy continues to display the flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, representing the ousted government led by Ashraf Ghani.
Officials are reportedly deliberating on how to navigate the unusual situation. During previous interactions between Indian officials and Muttaqi in Kabul, the Taliban flag was displayed. In a January 2025 meeting between India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Muttaqi in Dubai, no flags were put up. The current protocol in New Delhi, however, presents a more visible challenge due to the official setting.
Agenda of Muttaqi’s visit
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed Muttaqi’s arrival on X, stating, “We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues.”
During his visit, Muttaqi is expected to meet Indian counterparts and senior officials to discuss ways to expand relations between Kabul and New Delhi, according to Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry, as reported by Tolo News.
Although India does not formally recognise the Taliban, the country has continued engagement with the interim government, including diplomatic exchanges and humanitarian assistance following a recent earthquake in Afghanistan, Jaiswal highlighted during a media briefing on October 3.
UN Security Council clearance
The United Nations Security Council granted a temporary exemption on international travel restrictions for Muttaqi, permitting him to stay in India for the weeklong visit. This special permission reflects the international community’s acknowledgment of ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian dialogue with Afghanistan.
Significance of the visit
This visit signals a cautious but significant step in India-Afghanistan relations post-2021. Despite the absence of formal recognition, India continues to maintain dialogue on security, humanitarian aid, and regional stability, balancing diplomatic sensitivities with pragmatic engagement.
The visit also underscores India’s intent to play a constructive role in Afghanistan by keeping communication channels open while carefully navigating international norms and its own policy stance regarding the Taliban government.
Conclusion
The arrival of Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi marks a delicate moment in diplomacy, highlighting both India’s pragmatic engagement with the Taliban-led interim government and the protocol challenges arising from non-recognition. How India manages the symbolic issues, such as flag display, will set the tone for ongoing bilateral dialogue, humanitarian cooperation, and regional stability initiatives in the months ahead.