In a bold move reflecting evolving geopolitics, the Taliban has dispatched Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor to helm the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi as Charge d’Affaires. His arrival signals deepening practical cooperation between India and the Taliban-led administration.
A seasoned diplomat, Noor previously headed the First Political Department at Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry. Relations have thawed considerably since Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s landmark October 2025 visit to India. That trip paved the way for mutual recognitions, including acceptance of Taliban-nominated staff at the embassy.
Muttaqi, accompanied by Noor, held key talks with EAM S. Jaishankar, culminating in agreements on diplomatic postings. ‘This is our flag, 100% our embassy,’ Muttaqi had affirmed earlier, quashing doubts over the mission’s status.
Five years into Taliban rule, this is a first for their foreign minister’s overseas engagements. India’s stance remains non-recognition officially, yet aid flows unabated—food, medicines, and more. Taliban appointees now manage consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad too, replacing holdovers from the Ghani era.
Afghan teams have made multiple trips to India lately, targeting trade expansion, energy projects, and leveraging Chabahar Port for enhanced connectivity. The port, developed by India, promises to unlock trade routes and investment opportunities across the region.
Noor’s appointment, following his Bangladesh visit, underscores the Taliban’s push for international legitimacy. For India, it balances strategic interests in Afghanistan with broader South Asian security dynamics. Expect nuanced diplomacy ahead as both sides navigate this complex landscape.