Ahead of Muttaqi’s visit, India takes a step closer to recognising Taliban, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban regime, will visit India on October 9 for five days.
• India is part of a regional grouping that admitted Mr. Muttaqi as a "member" for the first time.
• Mr. Muttaqi is on the UN Security Council’s list of banned terrorists but received special permission to travel to India.
• He will be hosted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House on October 10.
• The Moscow Format Consultations included Mr. Muttaqi as a member, with the Taliban flag displayed.

Detailed Insights:

• The Moscow Format Consultations joint statement called for economic exchanges, humanitarian assistance, and regional connectivity with Afghanistan.
• The statement also deemed unacceptable the deployment of military infrastructure in Afghanistan and neighboring states.
• Vinay Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Russia, attended the 10-nation Moscow Format Consultations.
• Mr. Muttaqi received special permission to travel from the UN Sanctions committee on September 30.
• This marks the first official visit by a senior Taliban Minister to India since 2021.
• During his visit, Mr. Muttaqi is expected to meet officials, business groups, and Afghan nationals in India.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Taliban: An Islamic fundamentalist political and military organization currently ruling Afghanistan.
• De facto Recognition: Acknowledging a government's existence without formal diplomatic recognition.
• UN Sanctions Committee: A committee of the UN Security Council that oversees the implementation of sanctions.