Jaishankar speaks with Taliban, welcomes its support on Pahalgam, and rebuff to Pakistan

“Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continuing support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward,” he said.

The Taliban Foreign Ministry said, “The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, held a telephone conversation with the Minister of External Affairs of India, Mr Jaishankar.”

“In this conversation, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, trade and elevating the level of diplomatic ties. The Afghan Foreign Minister described India as an important regional country and highlighted the historical ties with Afghanistan, expressing hope for further strengthening of these relations. He emphasised maintaining positive relations with all parties through a balanced policy. Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi also requested facilitation of Indian visas for Afghan traders and patients, as well as the release and repatriation of Afghan prisoners in India,” it said.

“Jaishankar also acknowledged the historical ties with Afghanistan and stated that his country would continue its cooperation with Afghanistan, emphasising joint efforts in political and economic areas. Mr. Jaishankar further committed to promptly addressing the issue of prisoners and facilitating visa procedures. Both sides also stressed the development of the Chabahar Port,” the Ministry said.

In the last week of April, Delhi had sent M Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary in charge of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in the Ministry of External Affairs, to Kabul.

Even before Prakash reached Kabul, the Afghan Foreign Ministry had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.