First-ever Taliban 'Victory Day' event in Delhi, Indian representatives also present

Taliban diplomats celebrated their first-ever 'Victory Day' in the Indian capital Delhi to mark the fifth anniversary of the Taliban's seizure of power in Afghanistan. The event, held at the Afghan embassy in Delhi on Monday (August 17), was attended by Indian government officials and diplomats from various countries.

About 200 guests attended the event, according to Indian media outlet The Indian Express.

Indian government representatives at the event

The event was organized by Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, Charge d'Affaires of the Afghan embassy in Delhi. A delegation led by Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary for Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, participated in the event.

Representatives from Palestine, Iran, Russia, China, Eritrea, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Niger, Qatar and Oman were also present. Diplomats from Serbia from Europe also participated in the event.

However, the report mentioned that no representative of neighboring Pakistan was present at the event.

India did not officially recognize the Taliban

Even after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the Indian government did not officially recognize their rule. However, diplomatic relations between the two countries have been increasing recently.

In November last year, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki visited India. At that time, he met with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. After that, the role of pro-Taliban diplomats in the activities of the Afghan embassy in Delhi became more clear.

The report mentioned that India is moving towards improving relations between the two countries by allowing Taliban diplomats to serve in Delhi under the charge of affairs.

Flags of India and Taliban were on the stage

Along with the national flag of India, the Taliban flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was placed on the stage of the event. However, the flag used by the previous Afghan government was still seen flying on the main flagpole of the embassy.

At the event, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor emphasized the implementation of Sharia law in Afghanistan, strengthening security, and regional stability.

He said that the Taliban government does not want to see Afghanistan as an area of ​​negative competition, but as a bridge for regional communication and cooperation.

Message to strengthen India-Afghan relations

The long-standing commercial and cultural relations between India and Afghanistan were also highlighted at the event. Mufti Noor said that high-level visits and diplomatic contacts between the two countries have increased in recent times.

Those concerned believe that this indicates the possibility of closer relations between the two countries in the future.

Diplomats from the previous government were also present

Indian diplomat Snehadube and some female representatives were present at the event. The total number of guests was about 200.

Some Afghan diplomats who had assumed responsibility during the Ashraf Ghani government were seen standing outside the venue. However, a Taliban diplomat said that they are all currently working together.

The Taliban's hosting of such a formal event in Delhi has brought to the fore the recent shift in India-Afghanistan diplomatic relations.

Source: The Indian Express