India reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering Afghan cricket and strengthening bilateral relations during high-level talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Friday.
Jaishankar welcomed Muttaqi and his delegation in the national capital, underlining the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan. Six new projects were announced for Afghanistan, alongside the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to full Embassy status.
Appreciating Afghanistan’s solidarity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Jaishankar highlighted the nation’s sensitivity to India’s security concerns. “Sports is another longstanding connection. The emergence of Afghan cricket talent has been truly impressive. India is glad to deepen its support for Afghan cricket,” he said during the bilateral discussions.
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Afghanistan’s cricket team has steadily risen in Asian cricket, recently claiming victories in four consecutive ODI series in 2024 against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe. Yet, India retains an unbeaten record against Afghanistan in ODIs, T20Is, and Test matches.
Muttaqi’s week-long visit, from October 9–16, marks the first high-level Afghan delegation to New Delhi since the Taliban assumed control in August 2021. The visit is focused on “expanding relations between Kabul and New Delhi.”
The United Nations Security Council granted a temporary exemption from international travel restrictions, enabling Muttaqi to remain in India for the duration of the visit. The two sides are expected to review developmental, economic, and cultural cooperation as part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral engagement.
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