Stepping up its outreach with the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the regime's acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai on Wednesday.

According to a statement by the Taliban Foreign Affairs Ministry, the discussions covered topics such as security concerns in Afghanistan, the need for India to engage in development projects and provide humanitarian assistance, and Afghanistan's use of Chabahar port in Iran to bring trade to the conflict-ridden country.

"In line with Afghanistan's balanced and economy-focused foreign policy, the Islamic Emirate aims to strengthen political and economic ties with India as a significant regional and economic partner," the statement said.

The meeting marked the highest level of dialogue between India and the Taliban since the latter seized Kabul in August 2021.

"In response to the request from the Afghan side, India will provide further material support in the first instance to the health sector and for the rehabilitation of refugees. The two sides also discussed strengthening of sports [cricket] cooperation," India's Foreign Office said after the meeting.

Shanthie Mariet D'Souza, an Afghanistan expert monitoring recent........

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