In a moment fraught with diplomatic nuance, India is preparing to host Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi for the first time since the group seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Muttaqi’s visit, scheduled from October 9 to 16, 2025, has been cleared by the United Nations Security Council under a special travel exemption. However, the presence of the Taliban flag during official meetings has emerged as a sensitive issue, posing a symbolic challenge for New Delhi’s foreign policy establishment.
Flag Protocol: A Test of Recognition Without Endorsement
India has not formally recognized the Taliban regime, and the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi continues to fly the flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, representing the ousted government of President Ashraf Ghani. This has been India’s consistent stance, even during previous engagements with Taliban officials in Dubai and Kabul, where both sides avoided displaying national flags.
However, diplomatic protocol typically requires the flags of both nations to be present during bilateral meetings. With Amir Khan Muttaqi set to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, officials are grappling with whether to allow the Taliban’s white flag bearing the Shahada to be placed alongside the Indian Tricolour.
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
India’s engagement with the Taliban has been cautious and pragmatic. Since June 2022, New Delhi has maintained a technical team in Kabul to oversee humanitarian aid and monitor ground realities. The current visit is seen as part of a broader strategic recalibration, especially as Taliban relations with Pakistan continue to deteriorate over cross-border terrorism and airspace violations.
Key Diplomatic Engagements Between India and Taliban (2022–2025)
| Date | Event Description | Location | Flag Display Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2022 | India sends technical team to Kabul | Kabul | Afghan Republic flag |
| Jan 2023 | Vikram Misri meets Muttaqi in Dubai | Dubai | No flags displayed |
| Nov 2024 | JP Singh meets Taliban Defence Minister | Kabul | Taliban flag present |
| Oct 2025 | Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi | New Delhi | Flag protocol undecided |
UN Sanctions and Travel Waiver
Muttaqi’s visit was made possible after the UN Security Council’s Taliban Sanctions Committee granted a waiver under Resolution 1988, which lists Taliban leaders under travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes. The waiver, approved in early October, allows Muttaqi to travel to India for diplomatic consultations focused on humanitarian aid, regional security, and trade facilitation.
Strategic Objectives of Muttaqi’s Visit
- Humanitarian Assistance: Afghanistan faces acute shortages of medicines, food, and agricultural inputs. The Taliban seeks expanded aid from India.
- Chabahar Port Access: With the US revoking India’s waiver to use Iran’s Chabahar port, Taliban officials aim to discuss alternative trade routes.
- Embassy Staffing: The Taliban is expected to request permission to appoint an official envoy to the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi and expand consular staff in Mumbai and Hyderabad.
- Counterterrorism Dialogue: India is likely to raise concerns over terror groups operating from Afghan soil and seek assurances on regional stability.
India’s Strategic Calculations
India’s engagement with the Taliban is driven by multiple factors:
- Regional Stability: A stable Afghanistan is crucial for India’s security interests, especially in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Geopolitical Leverage: As Taliban ties with Pakistan sour, India sees an opportunity to assert influence.
- Humanitarian Imperatives: India has consistently provided food, vaccines, and medical aid to Afghan civilians.
Symbolism vs Substance: The Flag Debate
The Taliban flag is more than a piece of cloth—it represents a regime that India has not formally endorsed. Allowing it to be displayed during official meetings could be interpreted as tacit recognition. On the other hand, omitting it may offend the visiting delegation and complicate future engagements.
Possible Flag Protocol Scenarios During Muttaqi’s Visit
| Scenario | Diplomatic Implication | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Display Taliban flag alongside Indian flag | Signals soft recognition, risks backlash | Unlikely |
| Display only Indian flag | Maintains India’s stance, may irk Taliban | Possible |
| No flags displayed | Neutral ground, avoids controversy | Most likely |
Public and Political Reactions
The visit has sparked debate among Indian political circles and civil society. Critics argue that engaging with the Taliban legitimizes a regime with a poor human rights record, especially on women’s rights. Supporters emphasize the need for pragmatic diplomacy to safeguard India’s interests in the region.
Disclaimer: This news content is based on official briefings, diplomatic sources, and public reports as of October 9, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute foreign policy advice or endorsement and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
