"India Has Always Been a True Friend of the Afghan People" – Kabul Seeks Delhi's Cooperation on Regional Security and Economic Development

"India Has Always Been a True Friend of the Afghan People" – Kabul Seeks Delhi's Cooperation on Regional Security and Economic Development

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi held a telephone conversation on Thursday, during which they discussed strengthening bilateral relations, trade cooperation, and diplomatic engagement.

Dr. Jaishankar expressed sincere gratitude to the Afghan foreign minister for strongly condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. He also welcomed Muttaqi’s rejection of misleading and baseless reports aimed at sowing confusion between India and Afghanistan.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar wrote:
“Had a fruitful conversation this evening with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. Deeply grateful for his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.”

He further added,
“Appreciated his firm rejection of recent attempts to create misunderstanding in India-Afghanistan relations. Reiterated our historic friendship with the Afghan people and our commitment to development cooperation. We discussed ways to enhance future collaboration.”

During the call, both sides emphasized the development of the Chabahar Port, the simplification of the visa process for Afghan traders and medical patients, and the issue of Afghan detainees currently held in India.

The Afghan consulate in Mumbai also confirmed the call, stating:
“Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Mawlawi Muttaqi held a phone conversation with Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. They exchanged views on strengthening bilateral ties, expanding trade, and boosting diplomatic cooperation.”

In the call, Muttaqi referred to India as an important regional power and described the Afghan-India relationship as historical. He expressed hope that the relationship would become even stronger in the future.

He appealed for the release and repatriation of Afghan detainees held in India, and requested simplification of visa procedures for Afghan traders and medical patients.

Dr. Jaishankar assured that the issue of Afghan detainees would be addressed promptly and that visa procedures would be made easier. He also emphasized the importance of developing the Chabahar Port.

Meanwhile, exiled Afghan Member of Parliament Mariam Solaimankhil said in an interview:
“India has always been a true friend of Afghanistan. They never supported warlords or proxy forces. Instead, they stood by the people through investments in schools, food, dams, and healthcare. India’s friendship with Afghans is strong and genuine.”

She added,
“When tensions rose between Pakistan and India, the Afghan people overwhelmingly supported India. We can distinguish between truth and falsehood. Standing with Pakistan is out of the question.”

Thus, India-Afghanistan relations are once again entering a new phase — one where trade, development, and diplomatic dialogue are at the core of the partnership.