Senior Taliban official assumes top diplomatic role in Delhi.

A significant shift in diplomatic representation occurred on Saturday as senior Taliban member Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor arrived in India. He is set to assume the role of Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi, marking a new chapter in the evolving relationship between the two neighbors.

Noor Ahmad Noor brings considerable experience to his new post, having previously served as the Director General of the First Political Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul. His arrival follows the tenure of Said Muhammad Ibrahim Khil, who was appointed by the former government led by Ashraf Ghani.

This development comes on the heels of steadily improving bilateral ties over recent months. The relationship gained momentum following a seven-day visit by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in October last year. Notably, Mufti Noor was part of the high-level delegation that accompanied FM Muttaqi during that trip.

During his October visit, Muttaqi asserted the current administration's authority over the diplomatic mission. Speaking to the press, he pointed to the Islamic Emirate’s flag displayed at the venue, stating, "This is our flag. We fought jihad under this. This is 100 per cent our embassy." While the embassy building officially continued to fly the tricolor of the former republic, the internal administrative control has been gradually transitioning.

India has not yet formally recognized the Taliban regime; however, it remains a crucial partner for the Afghan people. New Delhi has positioned itself as a key aid donor, consistently supplying medical shipments and humanitarian assistance. On the diplomatic front, Afghan consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad are already operating under diplomats appointed by the Taliban.

High-ranking delegations from Kabul continue to visit India to discuss strengthening trade, energy cooperation, and maximizing the utility of the Chabahar Port in Iran. Noor Ahmad Noor’s appointment is seen as a step toward streamlining these growing interactions and fostering closer cooperation on regional interests.