UNSC Approves Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s India Visit From October 9–16

The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday approved Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to India, after New Delhi requested clearance, sources told News18.

Muttaqi's Visit Schedule

Muttaqi is set to arrive in New Delhi from October 9 to 16, following a visit to Russia on October 6. The UNSC confirmed this important development after previously denying permission for the trip.

As Muttaqi is under sanctions pursuant to UNSC Resolution 1988, which targets Taliban leaders, he requires prior approval from the Security Council Committee for international travel. On September 30, the committee granted an exemption to the travel ban, allowing him to visit India during the specified dates.

Strategic Significance

Sources said the visit holds considerable significance for India-Taliban ties, with Muttaqi scheduled for high-level meetings in New Delhi. Analysts view this as a strategic move by India to counter Pakistan and China's influence in the region.

Background on Muttaqi

Amir Khan Muttaqi has served as Afghanistan's foreign minister since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021. In May 2025, he held informal talks in Beijing with his Chinese and Pakistani counterparts, Wang Yi and Ishaq Dar, to enhance trilateral cooperation, including discussions on expanding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.

India has historically opposed the USD 60 billion CPEC project, citing that it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).