Afghanistan’s UN-sanctioned Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in India on Thursday, the first visit by a top Taliban leader since they returned to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces.

“We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues,” Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement, offering Muttaqi a “warm welcome”. Muttaqi’s trip has been made possible after the UN Security Council granted him a travel waiver.

Muttaqi’s visit follows meetings in Russia — the only country so far to have officially recognized the Taliban administration. (AFP)