Taliban urges India to grant visas to businessmen, patients, students

In their first high-level meeting with India, the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has called on New Delhi to issue visas to Afghan businessmen, patients, and students.

India has also expressed its commitment to assist with the rehabilitation of refugees.

A few hours after the meeting, the Taliban government in Kabul confirmed that discussions included trade, sports, cultural exchange, and local security. On the other hand, New Delhi noted that talks between the two countries had made progress on several bilateral issues, including enhancing cooperation in cricket.

The meeting took place on Wednesday (January 8), between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai, with several high-ranking officials and ministers from both sides in attendance.

Since the Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15, 2021, following the fall of the Ashraf Ghani-led government, India's relationship with Afghanistan has been strained. However, efforts are underway to restore positive ties.

Analysts believe this meeting will brought Kabul and New Delhi more closer.

India has been cautious in issuing visas to Afghan citizens, canceling all visas issued before the Taliban's rise to power. As a result, many Afghan students seeking higher education in India were unable to travel, and Afghan businessmen, some of whom have been in India for decades, are facing difficulties. However, some relaxation has been granted for those seeking medical treatment in India.

Following the meeting, the Taliban government is hopeful that India will grant visas for all applicable cases moving forward.

India has been providing ongoing assistance to the Taliban government, including the supply of medicines, and assured it would continue to do so. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also stated that India would support the development of Afghanistan's health infrastructure, including the provision of medicines and food.

The issue of Iran’s Chabahar port, an important hub for both India and Afghanistan for trade and relief supplies, was also discussed during the meeting.