The Unexpected Pivot: How Pakistan’s Misadventures Opened Kabul’s Door to India
The Unexpected Pivot: How Pakistan’s Misadventures Opened Kabul’s Door to India
By Dr. Divya Malhotra, Non-Resident Visiting Senior Fellow, CNSS & Abdulkhaliq Ferdaus, a Kabul-based Researcher Affiliated with the Academy of Sciences of Afghanistan
On October 9, 2025, Taliban’s Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi for a weeklong visit, marking a major recalibration in India’s relations with the Afghan Taliban. His visit symbolized a strategic shift in India’s foreign policy towards pragmatic engagement. Soon after, India upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, signaling a cautious yet significant diplomatic step engaging without formal recognition.
When US-led NATO troops withdrew in August 2021, Pakistan sought to position itself as the Taliban’s key ally, with Imran Khan’s endorsement and ISI Chief Faiz Hameed’s viral “cup of tea” photo in Kabul reflecting Islamabad’s confidence. Four years later, the tables have turned. Both leaders are behind bars, and Pakistan and Afghanistan now face rising tensions, as India redefines its role in the evolving Af-Pak geopolitical landscape.