New Delhi: In a historic meeting with Afghanistan’s Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on October 10, 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the shared threat. During the talks, Jaishankar emphasized the shared threat posed by cross-border terrorism, implicitly signaling concerns regarding Pakistan’s support to terrorist networks. He underscored that cross-border terrorism continues to affect the security and stability of both India and Afghanistan, stressing the necessity of coordinated efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms.
Jaishankar praised Afghanistan’s recognition of India’s security sensitivities, noting that both countries face similar challenges in maintaining regional peace. He said that terrorism “knows no borders” and that proactive cooperation is critical to safeguarding citizens and ensuring long-term stability. The discussions included intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism strategies, and mechanisms for monitoring terror financing.
Upgrade of India’s Kabul mission
In a major diplomatic step, Jaishankar announced that India’s technical mission in Kabul will be upgraded to a full embassy. This move marks a significant deepening of bilateral ties, signaling India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Officials noted that the upgrade will allow for enhanced diplomatic engagement, better coordination on development projects, and strengthened cultural and political ties.
Continued support and humanitarian engagement
Apart from security discussions, Jaishankar reiterated India’s ongoing humanitarian and development assistance in Afghanistan. India has consistently provided support in sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, and plans to continue these initiatives. Jaishankar emphasized that India’s engagement in Afghanistan aims to foster sustainable development and regional stability while maintaining respect for Afghan sovereignty.
The meeting was hailed as historic because it marked a rare high-level engagement between India and the Taliban leadership since the latter came to power in Afghanistan. Analysts suggest that the talks, coupled with the embassy upgrade, represent India’s strategic approach of maintaining dialogue while ensuring its security concerns are addressed.
Regional implications
Jaishankar’s remarks also carried a subtle diplomatic message to Pakistan, highlighting the impact of cross-border terrorism on neighboring countries. India has long insisted that terrorism originating from across the border threatens not only its national security but also the stability of the region. The engagement with the Taliban leadership reinforces India’s commitment to regional cooperation against terrorism and its willingness to play a constructive role in Afghanistan’s future.