India has established its first political-level contact with Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021, as Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has spoken over the phone with the country’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, and has thanked him for condemning the Pahalgam attacks.

In a telephonic conversation on Thursday, Jaishankar underlined India’s traditional friendship with the Afghan people.

He high level contact was made amid reports in a segment of the Pakistani media that alleged India had “hired” the Taliban to stage a “false flag” operation in Pahalgam.

Jaishankar also wrote on X, “Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.”

“Welcomed his [Muttaqi] firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.”

“Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continuing support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward,” he wrote.

On the other hand, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) spokesperson Hafiz Zia Ahmad took to X and stated, “IEA-Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi held a telephonic conversation with the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar.”

“The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral relations, promoting trade, and upgrading diplomatic engagement.”

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Background

After the Pahalgam attack, India tried to wage a war against Pakistan under the banner of “Operation Sindoor” on May 7.

However, Pakistan responded decisively when India fired missiles at Pakistan.

The conflict ended within hours, with the Indian army admitting losses and offering de-escalation.

A ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump.

After the ceasefire, on May 13, the Pakistan military announced the martyrdom of 40 civilians and 11 personnel.