Taliban May Soon Have a Representative in New Delhi

Bloomberg News, in a report, has stated that a senior representative of Afghanistan’s caretaker government may soon be accepted at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi.

Citing its sources, the news agency wrote that discussions on the matter are ongoing, and two individuals have been nominated by the Islamic Emirate for the embassy position in New Delhi.

Bloomberg India’s report states: “The Taliban-led government has identified two potential candidates to take charge of the Afghan embassy in New Delhi, according to officials familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. The Taliban official won’t be recognized as a diplomat by India but will be the top representative for the government there, the people said.”

“The closer our relations with India become, the more beneficial it will be for both sides. The projects that India was pursuing during the Republic era and were halted could resume if we have good relations, which would be in the interest of both countries,” said Salim Paigir, a political analyst.

According to Bloomberg, citing its sources, this move is the latest step by New Delhi to engage with Kabul and counter China’s influence in Afghanistan.

“India-China rivalries are being raised concerning Afghanistan. Afghan officials must ensure that in favoring one influential power, they do not upset another. They should maintain relations with all countries,” said Aziz Maarej, a former diplomat.

The Islamic Emirate has not yet commented on the possibility of sending an ambassador to India. However, it has previously emphasized improving relations between Kabul and New Delhi.