Latest news with #Taliban-ruled
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
‘New Afghan Visa' module for Taliban-led nation amid post-Pahalgam strategic push
A notification posted on the government's official visa portal announced the launch of the 'New AFGHAN Visa' module available for six categories read more As India and Afghanistan's Taliban improve ties, New Delhi has reopened visa services to Afghan nationals. The visas will be mainly issued to people who want to seek medical treatments in India on a case-to-case basis. Who will get the visas? A notification posted on the government's official visa portal announced the launch of the 'New AFGHAN Visa' module available for six categories. Sources have told the Economic Times that priority will be given to people with ailments. The newly updated portal features categories such as student, business, medical, medical attendant, entry, and UN diplomat visas. Applicants must upload a recent front-facing photograph, along with their passport and national ID card, both of which should include personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, and expiry date. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New Delhi-Taliban relationship Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he held a 'good conversation' with acting Muttaqi during which the two leaders discussed India's 'traditional friendship' with the Taliban-ruled country and the ways to take the bilateral cooperation forward. Jaishankar also appreciated Muttaqi's condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. He also welcomed Muttaqi's 'firm rejection' of what he called 'recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.' 'Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continued support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward,' Jaishankar said. Muttaqi strongly rejected Pakistan's allegations of missile attacks by India on Afghanistan, official sources told PTI. It was an apparent reference to a report in a section of the Pakistani media that claimed India had 'hired' the Taliban to carry out a 'false flag' operation at Pahalgam. India has also approved the entry of 160 buses from Afghanistan carrying dry fruits and nuts via the Attari border in Punjab as a 'special gesture'. Pakistan had initially blocked the Afghan trucks access to pass through the border, following which the country's authorities allowed some of them to unload at Attari.
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
India resumes granting visas in six categories to Afghan nationals
NEW DELHI: India has re-started issuing visas to citizens of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan in six categories, including Student, Business, Medical, Medical Attendant, Entry and UN Diplomat, according to notification issued by the government. Incidentally, the government's decision has come nearly five years after India suspended all visa services to Afghan nationals and had closed its embassies and consulates following a regime change in that country. In the mean time, though the government of India did not make any formal announcement with regard to the resumption of visa services to Afghan nationals, a window on the country's visa portal has been created for online application, which reads 'Afghan Visa (For Afghanistan National) Apply Here'. On the portal, once somebody clicks on the window, the next page opens with six separate links – Business Visa, Student Visa, Medical Visa, Medical Attendant Visa, Entry Visa and UN Diplomat Visa and on the website it is written 'Afghan nationals may apply for an online visa'. According to the guidelines issued on the website, the applicant must upload 'a recent front facing photograph with white background and photo/bio page of Passport and National Identity Card (Tazkira) containing personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date etc.'
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
India's evolving Afghan policy: From humanitarian outreach to strategic diplomacy
India's renewed engagement with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan reflects a pragmatic shift in its regional policy, blending humanitarian outreach with strategic diplomacy to safeguard national interests read more Afghanistan, long regarded as the heart of Asia, must not be a blind spot in India's foreign policy. Image: REUTERS Amid ongoing heightened tensions with Pakistan, New Delhi has recently taken a significant step in its diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan by permitting 160 Afghan trucks to cross the Attari-Wagah border via Pakistan. These trucks, carrying dry fruits, liquorice, and other agricultural products, had been stranded following the border closure after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. India's decision to grant special entry to these trucks through the Integrated Check Post at Attari underscores its enduring commitment to humanitarian and commercial ties with the Afghan people. This move, made during a time of intensified crisis, reflects a pragmatic and forward-looking approach in India's regional diplomacy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This development came shortly after a historic phone conversation between India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. This was the first formal ministerial-level engagement between India and the Taliban leadership since 1999, marking a new chapter in India-Afghanistan relations. Following the conversation, Jaishankar publicly acknowledged on X (formerly Twitter) the Taliban leadership's strong condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. He tweeted, 'Good conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this evening. Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.' Jaishankar also appreciated their firm rejection of attempts to sow disinformation aimed at disrupting Indo-Afghan ties. He reaffirmed India's historical and steadfast friendship with the Afghan people and reiterated India's commitment to support Afghanistan's development. The two ministers discussed possibilities for enhanced bilateral cooperation, symbolising a maturing diplomatic approach and a realistic recalibration of India's regional outreach. In the aftermath of the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, India had dispatched a high-level delegation to Kabul to directly engage with the Taliban administration and express concerns over Pakistan-sponsored activities in the region. The delegation, led by MEA Joint Secretary Anand Prakash, met with Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, who unequivocally condemned the attack, stating, 'We unequivocally condemn the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Such acts of violence undermine efforts for regional security and stability. Afghanistan remains committed to combating terrorism and working closely with India to promote peace and cooperation in the region.' He also emphasised the need to bring the perpetrators to justice, underscoring Afghanistan's dedication to ensuring both justice and regional peace. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This diplomatic outreach signals India's intent to address security concerns through direct cooperation with Afghan authorities, marking a strategic move towards more open and pragmatic regional collaboration rather than reliance on intermediaries. Demonstrating diplomatic maturity, the Taliban also categorically rejected Pakistan's allegations that Indian missiles were launched into Afghan territory. On May 10, 2025, Taliban Defence Ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khawarzmi dismissed these claims as 'false' and 'unfounded', asserting that 'Afghanistan is safe and secure, and no such incident has occurred'. This firm rebuttal underscores the Taliban's intent to maintain an independent and constructive relationship with India. Moreover, the Taliban has consistently assured New Delhi that Afghan soil will not be used for activities against Indian interests. In previous engagements, senior Taliban leaders, including acting Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, have reiterated their commitment to addressing India's legitimate security concerns. Afghan authorities have also extended repeated invitations for greater Indian investment in Afghanistan's reconstruction and development, underscoring their appreciation for India's enduring contributions to Afghan infrastructure, education, and healthcare sectors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's approach towards Afghanistan has always been developmental, constructive, and people-centric—markedly different from the strategic depth policy adopted by some regional players. It is precisely this consistent and positive engagement that has earned India unprecedented goodwill among the Afghan population. Over the years, India has built over 200 schools, funded major infrastructure projects like the Afghan Parliament building and the Zaranj-Delaram Highway, and provided more than 1,000 scholarships for Afghan students. Additionally, India has played a pivotal role in enhancing Afghanistan's healthcare sector by constructing and restoring hospitals and health centres. Notably, the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul, established with Indian assistance in the 1970s, serves as the country's primary paediatric hospital, treating approximately 300,000 children annually. Unlike in some neighbouring countries where anti-India sentiment persists, the Afghan people have historically expressed deep affection and admiration for India. This makes Afghanistan uniquely positioned as a partner where India does not have to exert excessive diplomatic effort to win hearts—it already enjoys considerable public support. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Engaging with the Taliban, therefore, is not a concession but a reflection of India's evolving strategic realism. If global powers like the United States can engage with controversial actors—such as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani in Syria, who was on the US Rewards for Justice list with a $10 million bounty until December 2024—India should not hesitate to advance its national interests through constructive dialogue with the current Afghan leadership. Prioritising national interest means proactively shaping bilateral relationships rather than waiting for others—such as China or other such inimical countries—to take the lead. India now needs to go beyond developmental aid and public diplomacy. It should pursue formal diplomatic recognition of the Taliban government, initiate high-level strategic dialogues, and consider signing agreements on intelligence cooperation and regional security. Afghanistan's geography continues to offer both challenges and strategic opportunities. As a land bridge to Central Asia and a buffer against growing Chinese influence in the region, Afghanistan is too important for India to ignore. Historically, its geostrategic location has made it a focal point for great power competition—during the Cold War, both the Soviet Union and the United States vied for influence in Kabul, underscoring its enduring importance as a geopolitical pivot. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India must go beyond symbolic outreach and resist the tendency—rooted in its broader strategic culture—of adopting a reactionary foreign policy. Historically, India has often responded to developments only after other major geopolitical players have acted; for instance, its maritime engagement in the Indian Ocean gained momentum largely in response to China's expanding geostrategic presence. In the Afghan context, India should break from this pattern. Rather than allowing external powers to shape the strategic landscape, India must lead from the front. Its approach should be guided solely by its national interests, which must serve as the primary determinant in its regional strategy. Importantly, in the case of Afghanistan, India's outreach is made easier by the unprecedented goodwill it already enjoys among the Afghan people—what is needed now is strategic clarity and political will. Deepening political engagement with Afghanistan not only aligns with India's long-term strategic objectives but also enhances its influence in a region that remains a critical pivot in Asian geopolitics. This also serves the broader objective of countering destabilising influences in the region and strengthening India's position in South and Central Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Proactive engagement can help stabilise the region, moderate radical narratives, and reinforce India's image as a responsible and forward-looking power committed to peace and development. Afghanistan, long regarded as the heart of Asia, must not be a blind spot in India's foreign policy. Rather, it should be an arena where New Delhi asserts its values and interests with confidence and clarity. Imran Khurshid is a visiting research fellow at the International Centre for Peace Studies, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
24-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
This Week in Explainers: How Jyoti Malhotra's case revives memories of India's honey-trapping past
YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra has been in the spotlight since she was arrested for allegedly spying. She is suspected to have been honey-trapped by a Pakistani operative. However, this is not a standalone case. Here's all this and more in our weekly wrap read more It was a newsy week for India. Seven all-party delegations are taking India's anti-terrorism stance to the world stage. They will be visiting 33 countries, including the European Union (EU) headquarters. China and Pakistan have decided to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan. This is a big worry for New Delhi, which opposes the connectivity project as it violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra has been thrown into the limelight since her arrest for allegedly spying for Pakistan. She is among 11 people arrested across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh over the past two weeks in a suspected Pakistan-backed spy ring believed to be present in North India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's all this and more in our weekly roundup from India. 1. Seven multi-party delegations comprising MPs and former diplomats are setting out for foreign capitals to convey India's anti-terrorism stance in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. These groups will interact with permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), India's traditional partners, and countries that have a presence in the United Nations. The all-party delegations will travel to different regions, including North, Central and South America, North Africa and West Africa, Southeast, East and West Asia, and Europe. But why were these places picked? What is their relevance? We explain here . 2. Beijing, Islamabad and the Taliban-ruled Kabul held an 'informal' meeting, where it was decided that CPEC, a 3000-km-long connectivity project, will be extended to Afghanistan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. China announced that Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have seen tensions since the Taliban's return to Kabul, have decided to reset ties. The three countries also agreed to ramp up Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation and extend CPEC. This comes as a new headache for India. We explain why. 3. Passengers on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar had a miraculous escape after their plane was caught in a major storm that affected Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The flight encountered severe turbulence on Wednesday due to stormy weather. IndiGo flight 6E-2142 (VT-IMD) from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a hailstorm enroute; pilot declared emergency to SXR ATC. The aircraft landed safely at 1830 hrs. All 227 onboard are safe. The aircraft suffered nose damage and has been declared AOG (Aircraft on Ground). — Dipankar Kumar Das (@titu_dipankar) May 21, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Videos of flyers screaming, crying in distress and offering religious prayers, as their plane shook mid-air, went viral on social media. Later, unverified images of the aircraft's broken nose caused by the unexpected hailstorm emerged. We take a look at this story here. 4. Indian security forces have killed a top Naxal commander. Basava Raju, also known as Nambala Keshava Rao, was the general secretary of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). Besides him, 26 other Naxals were killed by security forces in Chhattisgarh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed it as a 'landmark achievement' in the 'battle to eliminate Naxalism.' But who was Basava Raju, whom Shah described as the 'backbone of the Naxal movement'? Read our story to find out. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 5. Travel influencer , who ran the YouTube channel 'Travel with JO', has come under the scanner. She has been accused of sharing sensitive information , including details on blackouts that India imposed during 'Operation Sindoor' after reportedly being honey-trapped by a Pakistani official. Also known as Jyoti Rani, Malhotra travelled to Pakistan twice, with the first visit coming in 2023. It has also come to light that she visited Pahalgam three months before the April 22 terror attack. Her case has revived memories of past instances when Indians, including diplomats, army officials, and scientists, were honey-trapped by spy agencies across the world. We take a look in this story . 6. Covid-19 is once again grabbing headlines. There has been an uptick in coronavirus cases in India. This comes amid a surge in infections in Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand. In Singapore, the resurgence in Covid-19 cases is driven by variants linked to the JN.1 strain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India currently has 257 active cases of coronavirus, with Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu reporting the most cases. We take a look at how Covid cases have increased in India in recent weeks. 7. Pakistan had reportedly planned a large-scale attack on the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which was foiled by Indian security forces. As tensions heightened between New Delhi and Islamabad in early May, Indian intelligence agencies got inputs that Pakistan was preparing to target religious and civilian sites in India. One of these places was found to be the Golden Temple, one of the holiest shrines in Sikhism. Here's how India's advanced defence systems were successful in countering Pakistan. This is all we have for you this week. If you like the way we explain news, you can bookmark this page . PS. The internet is obsessed with security guard jobs at Vishal Mega Marts. If you don't know what we are talking about, here's our story . Have a fun read! STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
In a 'special gesture', India allows 160 Afghan trucks enter India at Attari border
India decided to close the Attari-Wagah border on April 23, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam the day before. In the past, Pakistan has permitted one-way trade through this border, allowing Afghan goods to be exported to India, but without allowing any exports in the reverse direction read more India has approved the entry of 160 buses from Afghanistan carrying dry fruits and nuts via the Attari border in Punjab as a 'special gesture'. This comes a day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar talked to Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in the first diplomatic exchange between the two countries. Sources told the Times of India that Pakistan had initially blocked the Afghan trucks access to pass through the border, following which the country's authorities allowed some of them to unload at Attari. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is important to note that India does not recognise the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. India decided to close the Attari-Wagah border on April 23, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam the day before. In the past, Pakistan has permitted one-way trade through this border, allowing Afghan goods to be exported to India, but without allowing any exports in the reverse direction. In 2021, Pakistan opened its borders for Indian trucks carrying wheat to cross over and reach Afghanistan after the country was hit by famine. Earlier this week, Jaishankar said he held a 'good conversation' with acting Muttaqi during which the two leaders discussed India's 'traditional friendship' with the Taliban-ruled country and the ways to take the bilateral cooperation forward. Jaishankar also appreciated Muttaqi's condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. He also welcomed Muttaqi's 'firm rejection' of what he called 'recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.' 'Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continued support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward,' Jaishankar said. Muttaqi strongly rejected Pakistan's allegations of missile attacks by India on Afghanistan, official sources told PTI. It was an apparent reference to a report in a section of the Pakistani media that claimed India had 'hired' the Taliban to carry out a 'false flag' operation at Pahalgam. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the phone talks, the Taliban side reiterated its strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and rejected Pakistan's allegations of missile attacks by India on Afghan soil, the sources said. With inputs from agencies
