In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists, India has adopted a multi-pronged approach, including diplomatic engagement with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. This move comes amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with India pointing accusing fingers at Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism.

India briefed the Taliban regime about Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack, seeking international support against cross-border terrorism. According to sources, during a meeting with an Indian delegation led by MEA Joint Secretary Anand Prakash, the Taliban's acting foreign minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi strongly condemned the terrorist attack. Muttaqi underscored the need to punish the perpetrators.

This engagement signifies a notable shift in India-Taliban relations, which had been strained since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021. Despite initial concerns that the Taliban would act as a proxy for Pakistan, relations between the two have deteriorated, mainly due to the activities of the Pakistan Taliban (TTP).

Conversely, India's ties with the Taliban have improved. In January 2025, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a meeting with the Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, which was the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the Taliban's return to power. Following the meeting, the Taliban referred to India as a "significant regional and economic partner".

At the United Nations Security Council meeting on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on March 10, 2025, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish stated that India has discussed various issues pertaining to bilateral relations and the "special" people-to-people ties with the Taliban regime. He added that India would consider engaging in development projects in the near future, in addition to ongoing humanitarian assistance programs. Since August 2021, India has delivered substantial humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including wheat, pesticides, relief materials, and medical supplies.

The Taliban, in turn, have also condemned the Pahalgam attack. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically condemned the attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. The ministry emphasized that such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability.

India's outreach to the Taliban is viewed as a strategic move to counter Pakistan's influence in the region and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a sanctuary for anti-India terror groups. This approach keeps communication lines open, but also comes with costs. Domestically, it may attract criticism from those concerned about legitimizing an illiberal regime. Internationally, it risks complicating relations with Western allies who maintain a tougher stance against the Taliban.