Now Reading: Taliban to host Victory Day reception in Delhi, Indian officials likely to attend
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Taliban to host Victory Day reception in Delhi, Indian officials likely to attend
Taliban to host Victory Day reception in Delhi, Indian officials likely to attend
The Taliban will host its first public Victory Day reception in New Delhi on Monday, with the Indian government expected to send a representative. The event at the Afghan embassy is hosted…
The Story in Brief
The Taliban will host its first public Victory Day reception in New Delhi on Monday, with the Indian government expected to send a representative. The event at the Afghan embassy is hosted by chargé d'affaires Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor. India does not officially recognise the Islamic Emirate but has deepened pragmatic engagement, including allowing Taliban diplomats to operate in the country. The Times of India reported that senior Indian officials will attend; Hindustan Times said the government is expected to be represented. The reception comes after Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India last year and India upgraded its mission in Kabul to a full embassy.
India has allocated ₹150 crore for Afghanistan in the 2026-27 budget and has provided humanitarian aid. The Taliban's ties with Pakistan have shifted, prompting India to leverage its goodwill and development presence in Afghanistan.
The Indian Opinion
Some critics say India is legitimising the Taliban by joining this reception. Others argue the engagement is necessary to protect strategic interests, especially given the Taliban's strained ties with Pakistan. India has not recognised the regime but has expanded contacts step by step. The real test will be whether India uses its growing access to press for inclusive governance and women's rights in Afghanistan.
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
