Foreign Secretary meets Taliban Minister; cricket, India-Afghan ties discussed

The two sides discussed about various issues pertaining to bilateral relations as well as regional developments, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

In Short

• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister in Dubai
• Misri says India committed to Afghan aid and development projects
• Both sides also discussed about cricket cooperation, use of Chabahar port

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held talks with Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai on Wednesday. The two sides discussed about various issues pertaining to bilateral relations as well as regional developments, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

Misri reiterated India's commitment to continue to provide humanitarian and development assistance to the Afghan people. The Aghan minister thanked India for continuing its support for Afghanistan.

"In view of the current need for development activities, it was decided that India would consider engaging in development projects in the near future, in addition to the ongoing humanitarian assistance programme," the ministry said.

The two sides also discussed the strengthening of cricket cooperation between both countries, "which is highly valued by the young generation of Afghanistan". Both sides also agreed to promote the use of Chabahar port for supporting trade and commercial activities, including for the purpose of humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan.

The ministry noted India's humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and said that India has dispatched several shipments to the neighbouring country, including 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat, 300 tons of medicine, 27 tons of earthquake relief aid, 40,000 litres of pesticides, 100 million polio doses, 1.5 million doses of Covid vaccine, 11,000 units of hygiene kits for the drug de-addiction programme, 500 units of winter clothing and 1.2 tons of stationery kits.

"In response to the request from the Afghan side, India will provide further material support in the first instance to the health sector and for the rehabilitation of refugees," it said.

"The Afghan side underlined its sensitivities to India's security concerns. The two sides agreed to remain in touch and continue regular contacts at various levels," the ministry added.