The Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ joint secretary J.P Singh expressed that New Delhi wants to expand its relations with Kabul in both political and economic sectors.
The Afghan Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi quoting J.P Singh said on X that he expressed optimism about security provision, combating Daesh, and narcotics during his meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister.
“The two sides discussed relations between the two countries in diplomatic and economic sectors. India is one of the important countries in the region, and the Islamic Emirate wants to ensure good relations with India,” Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for Afghanistan said.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister, appreciated India’s humanitarian aid in this meeting and called for strengthening of Kabul’s relations with New Delhi.
Muttaqi also called for the facilitation of issuing commercial, health, and educational visas for Afghan citizens.
“First, a constitution is formed, which clearly defines foreign policy, and based on that, we will have a codified foreign policy, through which we actively maintain relations with other countries without reacting, defining our friends and enemies,” Rashid Qutbzadeh, a political analyst, told a local media outlet.
Meanwhile, J.P Singh discussed increasing trade from Afghanistan to India, and solving the challenges of traders from both sides in a separate meeting with some Afghan investors at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The Chamber of Commerce’s request was for India to issue visas to Afghan traders so they can conduct their trade between Afghanistan and India effectively,” Khairuddin Mayel, deputy of ACCI said.
At the same time, former President Hamid Karzai, during his meeting with India’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, called for New Delhi’s increased cooperation in the education sector in Afghanistan.