Commentary on Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to Moscow and New Delhi
Author: Ahmad Saeedi, Analyst on Afghanistan and Regional Affairs (Switzerland), exclusively for Sangar
Undoubtedly, the visit of Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban government*, to Moscow and then to India as part of the “Moscow Format” carries complex diplomatic dimensions and contradictory consequences at both regional and international levels.
Although this trip may appear at first glance as a step forward toward the international legitimization of the Taliban, it may simultaneously trigger sensitivities, misunderstandings, and serious tensions both within the region and beyond.
Positive Aspects and Achievements
The main achievement of this visit can be seen in the fact that Amir Khan Muttaqi—who remains on the UN sanctions list—was granted permission to travel. This move can be viewed as a partial easing of the Taliban regime’s international isolation.
Furthermore, participation in the “Moscow Format” meeting placed the Taliban within an official regional framework that included major powers such as Russia, China, Iran, and India. This allowed the Taliban to present themselves as one of the regional actors.
Visiting two countries that play key roles in regional politics could help the Taliban establish diplomatic channels and potentially gain humanitarian or economic assistance—particularly at a time when Afghanistan, under their rule, faces a severe humanitarian crisis.
Negative and Problematic Aspects
The United States, which still does not recognize the Taliban and continues to exert international pressure on them, may interpret such trips as a weakening of the pressure policy. This could push Washington to impose new restrictions or reinforce existing sanctions against the Taliban.
Muttaqi’s visit to India, given Islamabad’s historical sensitivity toward New Delhi, could provoke serious dissatisfaction among Pakistan’s military and political circles. The Taliban, who previously maintained close ties with Pakistan, may face a crisis in maintaining their fragile balance between India and Pakistan.
Although Russia and India engage with the Taliban based on their own strategic interests, contact with individuals under UN Security Council sanctions could bring political costs internationally—especially for India, which seeks to maintain a delicate balance in its relations with the West and the United States.
Conclusion
Amir Khan Muttaqi’s trip can be seen as a tactical success on the path toward the Taliban’s international recognition, yet at the same time as a potential strategic mistake that could result in new political costs for them in the region.
Diplomatic legitimacy, without internal reforms and without addressing international concerns, will sooner or later reach an impasse. The Taliban must understand that mere participation in international meetings is not enough; the key conditions for overcoming isolation remain behavioral change, respect for human rights, and constructive engagement with the international community.
