India held its first official meeting with Taliban government’s defense minister in Afghanistan, after the group seized power three years ago amid a chaotic withdrawal of the U.S. forces.
The Indian delegation headed by senior diplomat J.P. Singh held talks with Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the ministry said in a post on X. They discussed ways to expand relations and boost humanitarian aid to the country, according to the post.
It’s India’s first official meeting with Mujahid, who is considered a key decision maker in the highly conservative Islamic establishment. The discussions included using Iran’s Chabahar port to increase bilateral trade with Afghanistan, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi.
Mujahid asked the visiting delegation to fully restore India’s consular services in Kabul and grant visas for Afghans, Taliban government’s defense ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khwarizmi said in a text message.