Date of Creation: May 31st 2025 and [Your News Agency].
Islamabad: Pakistan made history today when they appointed Ubaidur Rehman Nizamani as their ambassador to Afghanistan – marking the first such appointment since Taliban’s return to power in 2021. This move seeks to enhance bilateral ties, while signalling Islamabad’s intent of engaging more fully with Kabul-based government led by Taliban militants. From Dawn News Network;
Pakistan, Afghanistan and China met recently in Beijing for a trilateral meeting to discuss regional cooperation and stability. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized how the appointment would strengthen economic cooperation, bilateral trade relations and joint efforts against terrorism.
Afghan Taliban government welcomed Pakistan’s move, and announced their intentions to do the same by appointing an ambassador in return. Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesperson for their Foreign Ministry stated that raising diplomatic relations allows for expanded cooperation in various fields between both nations.
Pakistan becomes the fourth country, following China, UAE and Uzbekistan, to name an ambassador to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. While such appointments don’t signify formal recognition by either government, they signify a pragmatic approach to diplomatic engagement.
Reuters.
India Amid Regional Shifts
India, which has traditionally maintained close ties with Afghanistan, now faces a difficult decision following Pakistan’s diplomatic overtures. New Delhi has yet to nominate an ambassador to Kabul and has adopted an indirect policy regarding Taliban officials.
Signs of engagement have emerged recently. On May 15, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation with Taliban acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi – their first ministerial-level contact since 2021 – which focused on expanding bilateral ties and reflecting India’s strategic interest in maintaining influence within Afghanistan. ( The Economic Times +2, The Diplomat +2, and AP News all covered this event).
Indian authorities recently resumed issuing visas to Afghan nationals after an almost four-year hiatus, signaling their desire to establish limited diplomatic ties in Afghanistan. KabulNow Strategic Considerations and Regional Dynamics
Pakistan’s decision to appoint an ambassador to Afghanistan could impact India’s strategic calculations. With China actively involved in fostering Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, India may seek to counterbalance this influence by strengthening ties with Kabul itself.
India has invested over $3 billion in Afghanistan through a variety of development projects, reflecting their long-term commitment to maintaining stability there. Yet their cautious approach remains driven by Taliban attitudes toward issues like women’s rights and terrorism that continue to make headlines worldwide.
As regional dynamics unfold, India’s decision on whether or not to appoint an ambassador to Afghanistan will be closely observed. Such an appointment could signal a shift in New Delhi’s policy, signifying their desire to engage more directly with Taliban regime while upholding democratic values and interests simultaneously.
India’s response to Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative may reshape Afghanistan and shape South Asian geopolitics.