Taliban seeks Indian investment in mining, while diplomatic appointments await approval.
New Delhi: The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, still unrecognised by the international community and grappling with severe financial issues and security concerns, is seeking investment from India in its landlocked country. According to sources, the Taliban government in Kabul is in actively negotiating with India, seeking investment in several large-scale mining projects.
A top source, on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the Taliban is eager to export coal, gold, and other valuable resources to India, although it is still waiting for a response from New Delhi. The Taliban is particularly seeking Indian investments in major mining ventures, including the Khawja Gor Gor Coal project in Badghis province, the Abgarmak Copper project in Herat, the Pashti Koh Iron project in Herat, the Qale Zal Gold project in Kunduz, the Lead & Zinc Block in Ghor, the marble blocks in Wardak, the Chehal Kan Shahr Gold project in Badakhshan, and the Gulastan Marble project in Bamyan, among others.
While the deadline for submitting bids for these major mining projects is December 19, Kabul is keen for India to invest. Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, China has made significant investments in Afghanistan’s mining sector, focusing on copper, lithium, and other critical resources. However, sources claim that expectations from New Delhi are higher, as Afghans consider Indians as their best friends, with a far more favourable view compared to other countries.
Despite the international community’s reluctance to engage with the Taliban due to human rights violations and security concerns, the lack of engagement has only worsened the country’s humanitarian crisis and deepened its economic collapse. In this context, Indian-led economic development in Afghanistan’s mining sector could offer a promising opportunity for both nations.
For Kabul, a shift in Indian policy could help improve Afghanistan’s economic situation and potentially expand the scope for international engagement. In recent months, as reported earlier, New Delhi has taken several steps to strengthen its ties with Kabul, including appointing Dr Ikramuddin Kamil as the ‘Acting Consul’ at the Afghan mission in Mumbai. Dr Kamil, who studied in New Delhi before returning to Afghanistan after the Taliban’s rise, serves as the Taliban’s representative in India and is overseeing diplomatic affairs at the Mumbai mission.
Sources also disclosed that the Taliban has recommended three more individuals for diplomatic roles in New Delhi, including Najeeb Shaheen, son of Sohail Shaheen, head of the Taliban’s political office in Qatar. These appointments, however, are still under review by the Ministry of External Affairs, with sources indicating that the vetting process is ongoing. The appointments will only be finalised once this process is complete.