DUBAI: Indian Foreign Secy Vikram Misri and Afghan Acting FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi met here Wednesday (8th Jan) to exchange notes apropos ongoing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, bilateral issues and security situation in the region.
A Indian FO statement says: “During the rendezvous India reiterated its commitment to continue to provide humanitarian & development assistance to the Afghan people. India also agreed to promote trade and commerce, including through Chabahar port. India will also extend its support to the health sector & rehabilitation of refugees in the country.
According to its Facebook post: “India will consider engaging in development projects in Afghanistan in the near future. In response to the request from the Afghan side, India will provide further material support in the first instance to the health sector and for the rehabilitation of refugees.”
The foreign minister assured the Indian side that there is no danger to anyone from Afghanistan and expressed the hope of increasing diplomatic relations and creating facilities related to visas for businessmen, patients and students.

Afghan FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, while commenting on the Social Media stated: “India’s approach has significantly changed, as it is no longer issuing visas to Afghan students. Thousands of students in Afghanistan are waiting for Indian visas to pursue their education, but this shift in policy has left them unable to fulfill their academic aspirations.…
“India and Afghanistan have historically shared strong relations, which can be revitalised through mutual efforts. Today’s Taliban are not the same as in 1995 and seek better ties with India. To rebuild trust, India should ease visa policies for Afghan students and patients. This would not only demonstrate goodwill and strengthen ties but also serve as one of the most significant and dangerous messages to Pakistan.”
Newspakistan.tv