The Indian newspaper Sunday Guardian reported that India is considering accepting a representative of the Taliban, Ikramuddin Kamil, as the second consulate general for Afghanistan in Mumbai. Recently, Kamil entered India on a regular passport, reports Khaama.com.
The report, published on Sunday, suggests that New Delhi may take a significant step in enhancing diplomatic relations with the Taliban by potentially accepting a representative of the group in India.
The Taliban have nominated Ikramuddin Kamil for the position of second consulate general at Afghanistan’s consulate in Mumbai, with New Delhi currently reviewing the proposal, the Sunday Guardian wrote.
This potential acceptance of a Taliban diplomat by India is seen as a “pragmatic approach” by New Delhi to engage with the group. Sunday Guardian also hinted that India’s next step could be the official recognition of the Taliban’s administration.
Who is the Taliban’s nominated representative? The Sunday Guardian reports that Ikramuddin Kamil, proposed as Afghanistan’s second consulate general in Mumbai, obtained his doctorate from South Asia University in Delhi.
The report indicates that after the Taliban came to power, Kamil returned to Afghanistan and began working with the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sources from Sunday Guardian claim that Kamil has now returned to India with a regular passport and is stationed at Afghanistan’s consulate in Mumbai. He is expected to receive a diplomatic passport soon and formally take on his role.
Neither Kamil nor Taliban foreign ministry spokespersons have commented on his appointment as the second consulate general in India.
Relations between the Taliban and India have been increasingly expanding since the Taliban came to power. New Delhi has been attempting to strengthen its ties with the Taliban, who have traditionally allied with Pakistan.
At India’s request, Sayed Mohammad Ibrahimkhil, Afghan Consul General in Hyderabad, assumed consular duties for Afghanistan’s Delhi embassy. Meanwhile, Zakia Wardak, former Consul General in Mumbai, resigned amid reports of smuggling over 25 kilograms of gold worth $2 million
The prospect of India accepting a Taliban representative underscores a shift in diplomatic strategies in South Asia.
This evolving relationship between India and the Taliban could reshape regional dynamics and influence India’s approach to Afghanistan.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
November 11, 2024