Afghan envoy calls for deeper India ties at Victory Day event in Delhi

Afghanistan's Charge d'affaires Noor Ahmed Noor said stronger political trust and economic partnership with India would benefit both countries and contribute to regional stability. He spoke at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi at an event marking the fifth anniversary of the Taliban's return to power on August 15, 2021. This was the first public reception hosted by the embassy since the Taliban took over.

Noor said Afghanistan's foreign policy is based on balanced engagement and non-interference, and that it seeks deeper economic ties with India. He highlighted expanded diplomatic contacts and high-level visits in recent years. India has not officially recognised the Taliban government. Anand Prakash, joint secretary in the external affairs ministry's Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division, attended the event.

Noor urged India to support Afghanistan's international rights and said Afghanistan's stability offers opportunities for trade, energy and security across the region. He recalled historical ties between the two countries, including trade and shared struggles against British colonial rule.