Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, expressed strong optimism for the future of India-Afghanistan relations during his visit to Darul Uloom Deoband in Saharanpur on Saturday, October 11, 2025. This influential Islamic seminary in South Asia hosted the Afghan dignitary, who conveyed his gratitude for the warm reception he received.
Muttaqi remarked, “We will be sending new diplomats, and I hope you people will visit Kabul as well. I have hopes for stronger ties in the future from the way I was received in Delhi. These visits may be frequent in the near future.”
Upon his arrival from Delhi by road, Muttaqi and his delegation were greeted with a floral shower by prominent figures including Darul Uloom Deoband’s Mohtamim (vice-chancellor) Abul Qasim Nomani, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani, and other seminary officials. Hundreds of students and locals gathered, eager to shake hands with the visiting minister.
Addressing reporters, Muttaqi reiterated, “I am thankful for such a grand welcome and the affection shown by the people here. I hope that India-Afghanistan ties advance further.”
Ahead of the visit, intelligence and security agencies implemented extensive arrangements in Deoband. Afghan embassy officials from Delhi had also been in Saharanpur since Friday, October 10, 2025, to oversee preparations.
Muttaqi’s six-day trip to India, commencing on Thursday, October 9, 2025, marked the first visit by a senior Taliban minister since the group took control of Afghanistan four years prior. India has yet to officially recognize the Taliban government.
During his visit, Muttaqi emphasized Kabul’s intention to send diplomats to India as part of a phased approach to enhance bilateral relations. He also affirmed the Taliban’s commitment to preventing the use of Afghan soil for activities against other nations.
Furthermore, the Afghan Foreign Minister called for collaborative efforts between India and Afghanistan to overcome challenges in developing the Chabahar port in Iran, particularly in light of sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.
This high-profile visit held particular significance, occurring at a juncture when both India and Afghanistan face strained relations with Pakistan due to various issues, including cross-border terrorism.