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29 Mar 2026

Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi’s Visit to India Postponed Due to UN Travel Ban

6 Sep 2025

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s planned visit to India this month has been called off due to an existing travel ban imposed under UN Security Council sanctions. The Taliban’s top diplomat was unable to secure a waiver for the trip, leading to the postponement. Had it occurred, the visit would have marked the first ministerial delegation from Kabul to New Delhi since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021.

The UN Security Council sanctions require Taliban leaders to obtain travel exemptions for foreign visits. According to sources, Muttaqi’s failure to obtain such a waiver led to the cancellation of the trip.

In response to inquiries about the visit, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal refrained from providing specific details. He reiterated India’s longstanding ties with the Afghan people and its continued support for their aspirations and developmental needs. Jaiswal also noted that India continues to engage with Afghan authorities and would provide updates as necessary.

The proposed visit was expected to be a significant diplomatic engagement between India and the Taliban-led Afghan government. In May, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation with Muttaqi, marking the highest level of contact between New Delhi and Kabul since the Taliban’s ascent to power.

India has not yet officially recognized the Taliban government and continues to advocate for the formation of a truly inclusive administration in Kabul. Additionally, New Delhi maintains that Afghan soil should not be used for any terrorist activities against any country.

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