Taliban’s Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor takes charge of Afghanistan’s embassy in Delhi as India maintains cautious engagement, focusing on aid, trade, energy, and regional connectivity projects.
Senior Taliban official Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor has arrived in New Delhi to assume charge as Afghanistan’s Charge d’Affaires at the embassy, officials confirmed on Saturday.
Noor Ahmad Noor, who previously served as Director General of the First Political Department at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will take over from Said Muhammad Ibrahim Khil, who had been appointed under the former government led by Ashraf Ghani.
Strengthening ties amid cautious engagement
India and Afghanistan have seen a gradual rise in bilateral engagement in recent months, particularly following a seven-day visit to New Delhi by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in October last year. During that visit, Muttaqi asserted control over the embassy, pointing to the Islamic Emirate’s flag and stating, “This is 100 per cent our embassy. All those who are working here… they are all with us.”
Despite the Taliban’s growing presence, India has not formally recognised the regime. Nevertheless, the country continues to emerge as a key aid partner, supplying humanitarian and medical assistance to Afghanistan. Taliban-appointed diplomats are also overseeing Afghan consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad.
Focus on trade, energy and Chabahar Port
Mufti Noor’s arrival coincides with continued high-level visits from Afghanistan aimed at strengthening economic and strategic ties. These include discussions on trade, energy development, and activating the India-developed Chabahar Port in Iran to enhance regional connectivity and attract investments.
Noor Ahmad Noor had accompanied Foreign Minister Muttaqi during his Delhi visit, underlining his importance in the Taliban’s diplomatic and administrative efforts. Analysts say the appointment reflects the Islamic Emirate’s intent to consolidate its diplomatic presence in India, even as formal recognition remains off the table.
India’s engagement strategy with Afghanistan appears to balance humanitarian support with cautious diplomacy, seeking to maintain influence while avoiding official recognition of the Taliban government.
