Afghan FM in India: 9 major benefits Afghanistan is likely to get from this visit

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Bilateral trade, security, development and progress, healthcare and counter-terrorism are some of the areas of cooperation discussed by Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki during their meeting in New Delhi.

The Afghan minister is in India on a six-day visit, the first high-level visit from Kabul since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. He reached New Delhi on Thursday, October 9.

The Taliban government in Afghanistan, generally seen as a close ally of Pakistan, extended strong support to India as it sought support from world leaders for its counter-terrorism campaign.

Jaishankar acknowledged the solidarity shown by Afghanistan after the Pahalgam attack and said cross-border terrorism remains a threat to the development and prosperity of both the countries.

The minister said, “We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We appreciate your sensitivity to India’s security concerns.”

Although his itinerary is not exactly clear, the following are the things that Afghanistan will get from the minister’s interactions and engagements in India:

Renewal of Diplomatic Projects: Jaishankar confirmed that several Indian projects in Afghanistan have been renewed and more developmental projects are in the pipeline. “We can discuss maintenance and repair of completed projects, as well as steps to complete other projects to which we are already committed. Additionally, our teams can discuss Afghanistan’s other development priorities,” the ministry said in its statement.

Six new health care projects: India has committed to six new projects to strengthen Afghanistan’s health security, details of which will be shared by the ministry at the end of the talks. Meanwhile, India gifted 20 ambulances as a goodwill gesture. The ministry said India will also provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals and distribute vaccines for vaccination and cancer drugs.

Rehabilitation Assistance: More information is also expected on the rehabilitation of houses affected by the Kunar and Nangarhar earthquakes last month. The ministry said, this is one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit Afghanistan Indian relief materials were delivered to the earthquake sites within hours of the disaster. India also agreed to help build homes for forcibly repatriated Afghan refugees and continue providing material assistance to aid their rehabilitation.

Support for Afghan cricket: The Ministry expressed enthusiasm over the growth of cricket talent in Afghanistan and assured India’s support to nurture the talent. It added, “Sport is another old connection. The rise of Afghan cricket talent has been truly impressive.”

food security assistance: The ministry said India will deliver additional consignments of food to Afghanistan on Friday, October 10, as “an important provider of food assistance to the Afghan people”.

Cooperation on Water Resources: India said it is ready to work with Afghanistan on sustainable management of its water resources, noting their history of cooperation in water management and irrigation.

Possibility of business growth: Jaishankar also announced to operate additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi. “We have a common interest in promoting trade and commerce,” he said.

educational program: India said its educational and capacity-building programs have long supported Afghan youth and announced plans to expand opportunities for Afghan students to study at Indian universities. India has a new visa module for Afghans from April 2025, especially for students as well as medical and professional categories.

strengthened diplomatic ties: India upgraded the technical mission in Kabul to Indian embassy status, marking a return to shared ties with the former Taliban government. After the Taliban government came to power in 2021, India had earlier removed its embassy and replaced it with a technical mission.