NEW DELHI: India and Afghanistan are set to additional ramp up their diplomatic relations with the appointment of a diplomat by the Taliban regime right here this month. This would be the first official placement of a diplomat by the Taliban in India since their return to Kabul in August 2021 and will probably be adopted – as conveyed by Kabul to Indian authorities – by the appointment of one other diplomat in late December or early January.The connection has progressed steadily this yr, culminating in an unprecedented go to by overseas minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India final month. India has bolstered its function as a trusted companion of Afghanistan with its continued provide of assist and medical provides to the nation, even within the absence of an official recognition by the Indian govt of the dispensation in Kabul.Muttaqi's go to noticed India asserting its resolution to improve its technical mission in Kabul to the extent of embassy and in addition agreeing to just accept Taliban diplomats. Either side are anticipated to quickly have a cost d'affaires main their respective missions.A Taliban spokesperson on Sunday expressed appreciation for India's donation of over 16 tonnes of anti-vector-borne illness medicines. “This newest donation underscores India's longstanding partnership and developmental assist to Afghanistan. By contributing important medical provides, India reaffirms its function as a dependable companion in selling well being, stability and humanitarian cooperation within the area,” he mentioned. Muttaqi's go to was vital because it additionally noticed the Taliban backing India's sovereignty over J&Okay. India too has firmly supported Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, at a time the Taliban's ties with Pakistan have hit a nadir due to heavy border clashes. The 2 international locations have reached a ceasefire however the specter of an escalation is but to completely dissipate. The Taliban this week accused Pakistan of working to create chaos in Afghanistan that will enable the US to return and take over Bagram airbase.
