Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has been granted a temporary travel exemption to visit Russia and India next week, a source in the group’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Afghanistan International.

According to the source, Muttaqi will travel to Moscow on 6 October to attend the seventh round of the “Moscow Format” talks at the invitation of Russian officials. For the first time, a Taliban delegation will participate as a member rather than a guest. In a statement on 27 September, Muttaqi described the Taliban’s inclusion as an “important step” and expressed hope that such platforms would strengthen trust and foster progress with neighbouring countries.

The UN Security Council sanctions committee confirmed on 30 September that Muttaqi has been authorised to travel to New Delhi between 9 and 16 October. Sources said the trip will revive a previously cancelled visit to India, which had been blocked by sanctions.

Muttaqi had earlier planned to visit Pakistan, but that trip was also cancelled due to travel restrictions.