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Foreign ministers

Afghan Foreign Minister's India Visit Likely to be Delayed Over UNSC Waiver

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's planned visit to India is facing delays due to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) yet to grant him the waiver needed to travel to India. Contrary to reports that the Security Council denied a waiver to Muttaqi, sources indicate that the dates for the visit have not been finalized. The Indian government needs UNSC approval to facilitate his travel due to the UN travel ban imposed on the Taliban leader. This would have marked the first visit by a Taliban leader to India, amidst improving ties between India and the regime in Kabul, facilitated by humanitarian aid provided by India.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UNSC has not granted a waiver to Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, delaying his planned visit to India.
  • Indian government sources have denied reports that India sought a waiver, stating they will approach the UNSC once the visit dates are finalized.
  • The UN travel ban imposed on the Taliban leader necessitates UNSC approval for Muttaqi's travel to India.
  • This would have been the first visit by a Taliban leader to India, following improved ties and humanitarian aid provided by India to Kabul.
  • Indian External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, spoke to Muttaqi last week, expressing condolences over the recent earthquake and announcing India's decision to send relief material.
  • Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Muttaqi in Dubai in January, aiming to build upon the improvement in the relationship between India and the Afghan regime.

Statistics:

  • The expected visit by Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India was last reported on August 28.
  • The recent earthquake in Afghanistan resulted in the loss of lives, prompting Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's expression of condolences.
  • India has provided humanitarian aid to Kabul, contributing to improving ties between India and the Afghan regime.
  • The UN Security Council's travel ban imposed on the Taliban leader has necessitated a waiver for Muttaqi's travel to India.
  • Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's meeting with Muttaqi in Dubai in January aimed to enhance bilateral ties.

Sources:

  • TOI (August 28)
  • TNN

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