India and Afghanistan have significantly elevated their diplomatic engagement, holding high-level talks in Dubai. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking the most significant interaction between the two nations since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. This meeting, the second in two months, underscores a growing commitment to enhanced bilateral relations.

Expert Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, notes that India's engagement with the Taliban predates recent tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan. He suggests that India's outreach is primarily driven by its own strategic interests, including bolstering trade, connectivity, and regional security.

The discussions centered around reinforcing the historical ties and strong people-to-people connections between the two countries. Key areas of focus included bolstering bilateral relations, addressing security concerns, collaborating on development initiatives, and increasing humanitarian aid. India has been a key provider of trade, aid, and medical assistance to Afghanistan under the Taliban's rule and remains committed to supporting Afghan refugees.

Trade routes, particularly leveraging the Chabahar Port in Iran, were a significant topic of conversation. This strategically important port offers Afghanistan an alternative trade route, bypassing Pakistan. The evolving relationship between India and Afghanistan could impact Pakistan, given the existing rivalry and shared borders. The recent meeting coincides with strained relations between the Taliban and Pakistan, marked by escalating cross-border clashes.

India's condemnation of recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan further complicates the regional dynamics. These strikes, which resulted in civilian casualties, highlight the increasing tension between Pakistan and the Taliban. The appointment of an acting consul at the Afghan consulate in Bombay and India's reopening of its embassy in Kabul further demonstrate the growing engagement between the two nations, despite the lack of formal international recognition of the Taliban government.

Several factors contribute to India's strengthened relationship with Afghanistan, including the weakening of Iran's influence, Russia's growing acceptance of the Taliban, China's increasing engagement with the Taliban, and potential shifts in US foreign policy under a new administration. These evolving dynamics in the region necessitate India's proactive approach to safeguard its long-term interests in Afghanistan, particularly in contrast to the United States' current policy of diplomatic disengagement with Kabul.