In a diplomatic first, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone call with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Taliban government. While India has not formally recognized the Taliban regime, Jaishankar described the conversation as constructive. He thanked Muttaqi for condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and welcomed his rejection of “false and baseless reports” aimed at straining India-Afghanistan relations. Muttaqi also urged India to issue more visas for Afghan citizens, particularly those seeking medical treatment.