In a significant meeting held in Dubai on January 8, 2025, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri of India met with Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and regional developments. The talks focused primarily on humanitarian assistance, development projects, and enhancing trade relations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ties in these key areas.
Historic Bonds and Continued Support
During the meeting, Foreign Secretary Misri reiterated India’s historic relationship with the Afghan people, emphasizing the strong people-to-people connections that have long defined the two countries’ ties. He also stressed India’s ongoing commitment to supporting Afghanistan, particularly in addressing the country’s pressing humanitarian needs.
“India has always stood by the Afghan people in times of need, and we are ready to continue our support to help Afghanistan rebuild,” Foreign Secretary Misri said. He noted that India is prepared to engage further in development projects, complementing its ongoing humanitarian assistance programs.
Review of Humanitarian Assistance
The two sides reviewed the humanitarian aid that India has provided to Afghanistan in recent months, highlighting the significant contributions made to address food insecurity, healthcare challenges, and disaster relief efforts. India has already dispatched over 50,000 metric tons of wheat, 300 tons of medicines, and 27 tons of earthquake relief supplies. Additionally, shipments of 40,000 liters of pesticides, 100 million polio vaccine doses, 1.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, and winter clothing have been delivered to assist the Afghan people.
In response to Afghanistan’s ongoing needs, both parties agreed to consider expanding India’s support through development initiatives. “As we continue with our humanitarian relief efforts, we also aim to engage in longer-term development projects to help Afghanistan rebuild critical infrastructure,” said Misri.
Focus on Health and Refugee Rehabilitation
One of the key aspects of the discussions was further cooperation in the health sector and refugee rehabilitation. Given Afghanistan’s pressing healthcare challenges, India agreed to provide additional material support, including medical supplies and expertise, as well as work towards improving healthcare infrastructure. India also expressed its readiness to assist in the rehabilitation of Afghan refugees who have been displaced due to ongoing conflict and instability.
The Afghan leadership expressed its gratitude for India’s continued assistance, with Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi thanking the Indian government for its unwavering support, especially in terms of humanitarian aid that directly benefits Afghan citizens.
Cricket Diplomacy and Sports Cooperation
Recognizing the unifying power of cricket in Afghanistan, the two sides also discussed enhancing sports cooperation, particularly in cricket. Cricket is immensely popular among the youth of Afghanistan, and both sides agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration, including training programs, exchanges, and joint initiatives to develop sports infrastructure in Afghanistan.
“Cricket has an undeniable role in fostering national pride and unity in Afghanistan,” Misri stated, emphasizing India’s eagerness to support Afghanistan in strengthening its sports ecosystem.
Enhancing Trade and Use of Chabahar Port
Trade was another key topic of discussion, particularly in relation to the Chabahar Port in Iran, which provides Afghanistan with direct access to global markets via sea. Both India and Afghanistan acknowledged the importance of utilizing this strategic trade route to facilitate the movement of goods, including humanitarian supplies.
Foreign Secretary Misri emphasized that Chabahar Port can play a critical role in supporting Afghanistan’s trade and commercial activities, enabling easier access to essential goods and boosting Afghanistan’s economic resilience.
Security and Regional Stability
The Afghan side was mindful of India’s security concerns, particularly in relation to cross-border terrorism and regional instability. Both parties reiterated their commitment to working together to address security challenges while respecting each other’s sensitivities. They agreed to stay in close touch to ensure continued dialogue on issues of mutual interest, including regional security dynamics.
A Path Forward
In conclusion, the meeting between Foreign Secretary Misri and Acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi marked a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between India and Afghanistan. Both sides agreed to continue their cooperation in humanitarian aid, development, trade, and security, acknowledging the shared goals of regional stability, peace, and prosperity.
“We remain committed to our partnership with Afghanistan,” Misri affirmed. “Our support will continue to evolve as we work together to address the challenges Afghanistan faces and help the Afghan people build a brighter future.”
Both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining regular dialogue to ensure that the relationship between India and Afghanistan remains robust, dynamic, and responsive to emerging needs in the region.