India is set to participate in the sixth round of Moscow Format talks on Afghanistan this Friday, aiming to re-establish its dialogue with the Taliban. The acting foreign minister of the Taliban, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is also expected to attend. While global attention has been drawn to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, India’s regional security focus remains on preventing Afghanistan from becoming a sanctuary for terrorists, particularly those linked to UN-designated groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The Moscow Format dialogue, initiated in 2017, will also see the participation of special envoys from Central Asian nations, along with representatives from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, and India. Key issues on India’s agenda include addressing the humanitarian crisis, promoting the formation of an inclusive government, and fostering cooperation to counter terrorism and enhance regional security.
Ahead of the talks, Suhail Shaheen, head of the Taliban’s political office, emphasized that the Moscow Format should serve as a means of constructive engagement rather than a platform for pressure. Under scrutiny for women’s rights and inclusive governance, the Taliban have expressed their desire to avoid external impositions regarding governance models.
Shaheen noted the importance of the Moscow Format in addressing Afghanistan’s challenges, including lifting sanctions, reducing poverty, and facilitating job creation, ultimately promoting greater engagement with the international community.
India’s representative, MEA Joint Secretary JP Singh, is also anticipated to hold bilateral discussions with Muttaqi and other Taliban officials on the sidelines of the meeting. Although India has not officially recognized the Taliban, it has unexpectedly developed a working relationship with the regime in Kabul, primarily due to its humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. An Indian technical team remains in Kabul to oversee aid distribution, overcoming initial hesitations about the Taliban’s return.
Interestingly, a recent UN report highlighted the ongoing threat from terrorist groups in Afghanistan, while the Taliban have accused Pakistan of harboring key members of the Islamic State-Khorasan group. A Taliban spokesperson claimed that the group was orchestrating attacks from bases in Pakistan, a statement that India views as reaffirmation of its stance on Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism.
