In a first diplomatic meet between New Delhi and Kabul after Taliban takeover, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held talks with Afghanistan’s acting foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai on Wednesday.
During the meeting, India expressed its willingness to consider engaging in development projects in the near future, complementing its ongoing humanitarian assistance programme, according to a readout from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
“In view of the current need for development activities, it was decided that India would consider engaging in development projects in the near future, in addition to the ongoing humanitarian assistance programme,” the MEA said.
The meeting comes in the wake of India’s recent condemnation of Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghanistan, with India accusing Pakistan of its habitual tendency to blame neighbouring countries for its internal challenges.
The Afghan side emphasised its sensitivities to India’s security concerns, the MEA noted.
“It was also agreed to promote the use of Chabahar port for supporting trade and commercial activities, including for the purpose of humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan,” the readout stated.
In response to a request from the Afghan side, India pledged to provide additional material support, initially focusing on the health sector and the rehabilitation of refugees, the MEA said.
“The foreign secretary highlighted India’s historic friendship with the Afghan people and the enduring people-to-people connections between the two countries,” it added.
“In this context, he reaffirmed India’s readiness to address the pressing developmental needs of the Afghan people,” the MEA concluded.
