Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to arrive in New Delhi on October 9, with the key agenda of seeking India's official recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, multiple Indian media outlets reported.

The visit, occurring against the backdrop of the emirate's fourth year in power, marks the first time a senior official will visit India since the group's return to power in Kabul in 2021. Muttaqi's trip follows his participation in the Moscow Format talks, indicating a potential shift in regional engagement with Afghanistan's ruling authorities.

While the recognition issue dominates the agenda, the talks are also expected to cover India's ongoing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and the future of infrastructure projects initiated during the previous Afghan government.

"The Afghan foreign minister wishes for New Delhi to officially recognize the Kabul government," Indian media reported, highlighting the delicate diplomatic balancing act India faces as it navigates relations with the Afghan government.

The visit comes at a crucial juncture in regional diplomacy. While Russia became the first country to officially recognize the Islamic Emirate earlier this year, no other nations have yet followed Moscow's lead. India's decision will be closely watched by the international community, particularly Western nations that have maintained a more cautious approach toward the Afghan government.

Some political observers have characterized recent India-Afghanistan relations as "positive," suggesting that Muttaqi's visit could pave the way for broader engagement between New Delhi and Kabul. India has historically maintained significant development and infrastructure interests in Afghanistan, including the Salma Dam and various road projects, though many of these initiatives have been stalled since the Islamic Emirate's takeover.

The outcome of the talks is expected to have significant implications for regional stability and could potentially influence other countries' positions on engaging with the Afghan government. (ILKHA)