Afghanistan has expressed its desire to enhance diplomatic relations with India, assuring that it does not pose a threat to any nation. In a statement after the first publicly acknowledged engagement between Kabul and New Delhi since the Taliban came to power, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry highlighted its intent to strengthen ties, particularly in political and economic spheres.

The meeting, held in Dubai, involved Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Afghanistan expressed hope for improving diplomatic ties, easing visa processes for Afghan businessmen, patients, and students, and promoting trade, particularly through the Chabahar Port.

India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, reaffirmed India’s interest in fostering political and economic relations with Afghanistan while also addressing concerns over security. India expressed support for Afghanistan's efforts to combat narcotics and corruption, and both sides discussed potential development projects, particularly in the health sector.

Afghanistan also acknowledged India's security concerns, particularly the presence of terror groups on Afghan soil, and emphasized its sensitivity to these concerns. In return, India committed to providing material support to Afghanistan, especially for refugees and the health sector.

The talks come after India condemned the recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, which resulted in civilian casualties, and raised concerns over the presence of terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Afghanistan.