New Delhi | WTNS | Oct 11: In a striking show of defiance delivered from Indian soil, Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, cautioned both Pakistan and the United States against interfering in his country’s affairs, asserting that Afghanistan’s sovereignty “must be respected” and that the “courage of Afghans should not be tested.”
Speaking at a press briefing during his six-day visit to India , the first by a senior Taliban official since the group seized power four years ago, Mr. Muttaqi said that the Taliban-led government would not allow Afghan territory to be used against any nation. His comments, diplomats said, appeared to be aimed primarily at Pakistan, which has recently carried out aerial strikes on Afghan border areas.
“The courage of Afghans should not be tested. If someone wishes to do so, they should ask the Soviet Union, America, and NATO,” Mr. Muttaqi said. “They can explain that it is not good to play games with Afghanistan.”
The remarks followed reports of Pakistani air operations targeting what Islamabad called militant positions along the frontier. Mr. Muttaqi condemned the attacks as “wrong” and urged restraint, saying that “Afghanistan has peace and progress after 40 years, and no one should be troubled by that.”
A Message for Washington
Mr. Muttaqi also issued a pointed message to the United States, rejecting suggestions that Washington might seek to regain access to Bagram Air Base, a symbol of American military power in Afghanistan until the withdrawal in 2021.
“The people of Afghanistan have never accepted foreign military presence, and they will not accept it in the future,” he said. “If anyone wishes to have relations with us, they can do so through diplomatic missions, not in military uniform.”
His remarks came after former President Donald J. Trump expressed interest in “getting back” the control of Bagram, calling it a “strategic mistake” to have abandoned it.
India Reopens Its Doors to Kabul
Mr. Muttaqi’s trip also marked a thaw in relations between New Delhi and Kabul, two capitals long divided by the Taliban’s past links with Pakistan. During bilateral talks on Friday, India’s foreign minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, announced that India would upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, signaling a cautious normalization of diplomatic engagement.
“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan,” Dr. Jaishankar said. “To enhance cooperation, I am pleased to announce the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the Embassy of India.”
Mr. Muttaqi, who also urged closer cooperation on developing Iran’s Chabahar Port , a key trade corridor connecting India and Central Asia, said both nations shared an interest in regional stability and economic recovery.
A Careful Balancing Act
India, which has yet to formally recognize the Taliban government, appears to be recalibrating its regional strategy amid changing geopolitical realities. Analysts say New Delhi’s re-engagement with Kabul could serve as a counterbalance to Pakistan’s influence and China’s growing presence in the region.
Mr. Muttaqi’s visit, meanwhile, underscores the Taliban’s desire for international legitimacy — and its attempt to portray Afghanistan as a stable, independent actor after decades of war.
“We are an independent nation,” Mr. Muttaqi said. “Why should anyone be troubled if Afghanistan has peace?”
A Visit to Darul Uloom Deoband
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday (October 11, 2025) voiced confidence that the India-Afghanistan ties will grow stronger in future as he thanked the people for the welcome he received during his visit to Darul Uloom Deoband in Saharanpur, one of the most influential Islamic seminaries in South Asia.
The Afghan leader, who reached Deoband from Delhi by road with his delegation, was welcomed by Mohtamim (vice-chancellor) of Darul Uloom Deoband Abul Qasim Nomani, president of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Maulana Arshad Madani and officials of Darul Uloom, amid a floral shower.
