- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:47 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Muttaqi On Kabul Blasts: Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, on his first official visit to India as the top diplomat of the Taliban-led government, delivered a strong warning to Pakistan while signalling closer ties with New Delhi. Speaking in the Indian capital, Muttaqi urged Islamabad to “stop playing games” with Afghanistan and cautioned against actions that could provoke Kabul.
“Pakistan should stop playing games with Afghanistan. Don’t provoke Afghanistan too much – if you do, ask the British or the Americans; they will tell you such actions are not good. We want a diplomatic path,” Muttaqi said, referencing long wars waged by the US and the UK in Afghanistan. His remarks come amid heightened cross-border tensions, including recent airstrikes and exchanges of fire along the Durand Line, which have escalated accusations of territorial violations and militant activity between the two neighbors.
Muttaqi’s comments came following reports of loud explosions on Thursday evening in the Afghan capital of Kabul. It was not immediately clear what caused the blast. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Taliban administration, said in a statement that an explosion had been heard and an investigation was underway. He added that so far, no reports of casualties or damage had been received. Witnesses, including a Reuters witness, said they heard at least two explosions at around 9:50 pm local time.
India-Afghanistan Relations Take a Positive Turn
Despite his strong stance toward Pakistan, Muttaqi’s visit to India carried a cooperative significance. During talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, both sides announced measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation. India has announced to reopen Embassy in Kabul. The move came after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Talibani Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi. Since 2022, India has maintained a technical mission there. This is the first high-level trip from Kabul after the Taliban seized power following the collapse of the Ashraf Ghani government over four years back.
“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. To enhance this, I am pleased to announce the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India,” Jaishankar said. The two ministers also discussed a broad development and humanitarian package, including six new projects, a gift of 20 ambulances, and medical equipment such as MRI and CT scan machines, vaccines, and cancer medicines for Afghan hospitals.
Both sides stressed the importance of expanding economic, educational, and cultural ties. New flight connections between Kabul and New Delhi and increased scholarship opportunities for Afghan students were highlighted. Jaishankar also praised the emergence of Afghan sports talent, particularly in cricket.
Joint Commitment Against Terrorism
In a key development, Muttaqi assured India that Afghan soil would not be used to launch attacks against other countries, including India. This comes after the Pahalgam terror attack, attributed to Pakistan-based groups, which killed 26 people. Jaishankar welcomed the assurance and emphasised the need for coordination to combat terrorism in all its forms. “We have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity. However, these are endangered by cross-border terrorism that both our nations face. We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” Jaishankar said.
Muttaqi also praised India’s swift assistance during the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, calling India a “close friend” and expressing willingness to strengthen people-to-people ties and trade relations. He said a consultative mechanism would be established to enhance bilateral cooperation
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The visit also comes amid shifting regional dynamics. Pakistan’s strained relations with Kabul and China’s mediation attempts reflect a complex geopolitical environment. Hosting Muttaqi signals India’s pragmatic approach to engaging Afghanistan directly while addressing long-standing security and developmental interests.