External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made history on May 15 by speaking directly to the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. This phone call is the first ministerial-level contact between India and the Taliban since the late 1990s. For India, this is a big deal.
Why? Because it shows India’s readiness to face the reality in Afghanistan while protecting its interests and security.
The conversation came just days after the Taliban condemned the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. Jaishankar thanked the Taliban for this condemnation, making it clear that India values peace and stability in the region.
Breaking the Ice After 24 Years
The last time India had minister-level talks with the Taliban was during Jaswant Singh’s tenure as External Affairs Minister in 1999-2000. That was around the time of the Indian Airlines flight hijacking to Kandahar. Since then, India avoided official talks with the Taliban.
But now, Jaishankar’s call signals a new chapter. It is India’s way of saying, “We are ready to talk, but on our terms.” India has not officially recognized the Taliban government yet. This call is a cautious but strategic first step to engage without losing ground.
د ا.ا.ا. د بهرنیو چارو وزیر محترم مولوي امیر خان متقي او د هند جمهوریت د بهرنیو چارو وزیر ښاغلي جې شنکر ټيلیفوني خبرې وکړې.
په دې مکالمه کې د دوو اړخیزو اړیکو پر پیاوړتیا، تجارت او د دیپلوماتیکو اړیکو د کچې پر لوړولو خبرې وشوې. pic.twitter.com/weErRrvARu— Hafiz Zia Ahmad (@HafizZiaAhmad) May 15, 2025
A Message to Pakistan
This call also sends a message to Pakistan, which has often been accused of supporting the Taliban behind the scenes. India is showing that it too has influence and voice in Kabul. It won’t be a silent bystander while others decide Afghanistan’s future.
What Did They Discuss?
According to Taliban sources, the call covered topics like:
- Increasing Afghan visas to India, especially for medical cases
- Bilateral trade opportunities
- Release of Afghan prisoners in Indian jails
- Development projects like the Chabahar Port in Iran
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This shows India wants practical cooperation alongside its diplomatic caution.
This conversation is just the beginning. India will watch closely how the Taliban behaves on issues like terrorism and human rights. But for now, Jaishankar’s call is a smart, mature move. It balances India’s values with realpolitik — understanding the world as it is, not just as we wish it to be.
India is showing it can be firm and flexible at once. This is the kind of diplomacy India needs in a complicated neighborhood.
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