Senior Taliban official Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor has arrived in New Delhi to assume the role of Charge d’Affaires at Afghanistan’s Embassy, according to officials on Saturday. Noor previously served as Director General of the First Political Department at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bringing extensive diplomatic experience to his new posting.
In recent months, India and Afghanistan have witnessed a noticeable improvement in bilateral relations, particularly following a seven-day visit to New Delhi in October by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. During his visit, Muttaqi emphasized the Islamic Emirate’s control over the embassy, displaying the Taliban flag prominently both in front and behind him. He stated, “This is our flag. We fought jihad under this. This is 100 per cent our embassy. All those who are working here… they are all with us,” while the embassy continued to officially hoist the previous regime’s flag, representing the administration of former President Ashraf Ghani.
Mufti Noor Noor accompanied Muttaqi’s delegation during that visit, highlighting his close association with the senior leadership. Although India has not formally recognised the Taliban government, it continues to provide aid and medical assistance, establishing itself as a key contributor to humanitarian efforts.
Afghan consulates in cities such as Mumbai and Hyderabad are now managed by diplomats appointed by the Taliban, reflecting the changes in Afghanistan’s diplomatic representation in India. Previously, Said Muhammad Ibrahim Khil, appointed under Ashraf Ghani’s government, served as the Charge d’Affaires of the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi.
Several high-level delegations from Afghanistan have visited India recently to strengthen trade ties, energy cooperation, and bilateral relations. Efforts also focus on leveraging India-developed infrastructure such as Chabahar Port in Iran, attracting investment, and activating economic projects that benefit both nations. These visits and appointments indicate a strategic approach by the Taliban to consolidate diplomatic presence and promote cooperation in trade, energy, and humanitarian sectors while engaging with Indian authorities.
