New Delhi has welcomed a significant diplomatic shift as Taliban senior member Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor arrives to take charge of the Afghan Embassy. Officials confirm that Noor will serve as the Charge d’Affaires (CDA), marking a pivotal moment in India-Afghanistan relations.
Noor brings extensive experience from his previous role as Director General of the First Political Department in Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry. This appointment comes amid warming ties between the two nations. Just months ago, in October 2025, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India for a week-long tour, injecting fresh momentum into bilateral engagement.
During that visit, Muttaqi emphasized the embassy’s legitimacy, stating it flies Afghanistan’s flag and is staffed by loyal representatives. Notably, Noor was part of Muttaqi’s delegation, which met Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The discussions led to an agreement recognizing Taliban-appointed diplomats at the Afghan mission in New Delhi.
This development unfolds nearly five years after the Taliban seized control in Afghanistan. It was Muttaqi’s first official trip abroad post-takeover. Noor himself visited Bangladesh in December 2025, underscoring his active diplomatic role.
India has not formally recognized the Taliban government but continues robust humanitarian aid, including medical supplies. Similar changes have occurred at Afghan consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad, now led by Taliban appointees. The previous CDA, Saeed Mohammad Ibrahim Khil, was from the ousted Ashraf Ghani administration.
Recent high-level Afghan delegations to India have focused on bolstering trade, energy cooperation, and activating the Chabahar Port in Iran—a strategic Indian-built facility. These efforts aim to attract investments and deepen economic ties, signaling pragmatic diplomacy despite political reservations.
As Noor assumes his post, observers watch closely for how this influences regional stability and India’s engagement in Afghanistan’s reconstruction.