India, Oct. 10 -- India on Friday unveiled a slew of developmental initiatives for Afghanistan and an upgrade of its diplomatic presence in Kabul as external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi for the first time to discuss ways to advance bilateral cooperation and tackle security challenges.

Muttaqi, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, is the first senior Taliban functionary to officially visit the country, marking a significant step forward in India's efforts to enhance a working relationship with the regime in Kabul while stopping short of formal recognition of the Taliban administration.

The visit comes at a time when the relations of both Afghanistan and India with Pakistan are under sever...