The Taliban have expressed their position that India is an important regional and economic partner, reports "Reuters", quoted by News.bg.
The statement was made by the Afghan Foreign Ministry after a high-level meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Vikram Misri, who met with the Taliban's acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaki, in Dubai.
The meeting discussed expanding relations between the two countries, with an important aspect being strengthening trade through the Iranian Chabahar port complex, developed by India to bypass the Pakistani ports of Karachi and Gwadar.
"The Islamic Emirate aims to strengthen political and economic relations with India, a country with significant economic potential," the Afghan Foreign Ministry said.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also said that the country is considering involvement in development projects in Afghanistan and efforts to increase trade with Afghan partners. However, neither India nor any other foreign government officially recognizes the Taliban administration in Afghanistan.
India is among the few countries that maintain a limited diplomatic mission in Kabul to facilitate trade and provide humanitarian aid. Regional players such as China and Russia have also shown interest in boosting trade and investment in Afghanistan, which could change the dynamics in the region.
Following the Dubai meeting, Pakistan may view this news with concern, as its relations with India and Afghanistan have historically been strained, and India's involvement with the Taliban could create new geopolitical tensions.