NEW DELHI (CU)_ Afghan foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar arrived in India on Monday (22 March) for a three-day visit, ahead of the crucial regional meeting on Afghanistan, which will be attended by the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan.
According to the Afghan Foreign Ministry, the purpose of the visit is to discuss bilateral relations, enhance cooperation between the two nations, and to strengthen regional and international collaboration on the Afghan peace process.
Following his arrival in New Delhi, Atmar met with his Indian counterpart, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
“Welcomed foreign minister M. Haneef Atmar of Afghanistan. (Held) detailed conversation on the peace process. Also exchanged views on our bilateral cooperation and development partnership,” Jaishankar said in a message following talks with Atmar.
Next week, Jaishankar is expected to participate in the ministerial meeting of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, a regional initiative launched by Afghanistan and Turkey. Foreign ministers from Pakistan, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan are also expected to attend the meeting which will be held in the Tajikistan capital of Dushanbe.
Atmar’s visit to India is considered to be crucial as it suggests that Kabul desires to keep New Delhi informed about exchanges with the Taliban.
Meanwhile, US troops in Afghanistan are set to be withdrawn by 1 May as agreed by the Trump administration. However, last week, US Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin flew to Afghanistan, following a visit to India, which suggested that the US may not withdraw troops on 1 May as previously agreed.
Atmar is expected meet India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during his stay.
Apart from government officials, the Afghan foreign minister will also meet with Afghan students and businessmen, as well as Afghan refugees, who are based in India.
