Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe Indian delegation also discussed the expansion of India’s humanitarian cooperation with Afghanistan in its meeting with the acting Minister of Defense.
J.P. Singh, India’s joint secretary of the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division of the external affairs ministry, in separate meetings with Afghanistan’s acting foreign and defense ministers, stressed the expansion of relations between Kabul and New Delhi.
Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Amir Khan Muttaqi, in his meeting with J.P. Singh, highlighted the importance of visa facilitation for Afghan traders and the development of commercial relations with India, adding that Afghanistan-India relations are expected to improve in various fields.
The deputy spokesperson added: “The Foreign Minister expressed optimism that relations between the two countries will progress in various areas. Muttaqi stressed that to further enhance economic ties, greater visa facilitation should be provided to Afghans, particularly traders.”
According to the deputy spokesperson, the Indian representative stated that in the near future, discussions will begin among delegations from Afghanistan, India, and other regional countries regarding the Chabahar Port.
Separately, the Ministry of Defense reported that acting Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid met with J.P. Singh, with both sides expressing interest in strengthening interactions between the two countries.
The Indian delegation also discussed the expansion of India’s humanitarian cooperation with Afghanistan in its meeting with the acting Minister of Defense.
“In general, improving Afghanistan’s relations with every country is necessary, but a balanced relationship with India and Pakistan is essential,” Abdul Nasser Shafiq, a political affairs expert, told TOLOnews.
“India’s position allows it to be a good transit hub for Afghanistan, even through air transit. Through the Chabahar Port, we can maintain relations with India, and India can serve as a good connection bridge to other countries for Afghanistan,” said Abdul Zahoor Mudaber, another economic expert.
The Indian delegation also met with former president Hamid Karzai a day earlier. According to a statement from the former president’s office, Karzai, in this meeting, called on New Delhi to increase its focus on education, development of trade relations, and travel facilitation between India and Afghanistan.