A delegation of Afghan Hindus and Sikhs who have fled their homeland due to persecution convened a meeting with Taliban Foreign Affairs Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi on Monday. The group appealed for the current regime in Afghanistan to facilitate a visit by a joint delegation of prominent Hindu and Sikh leaders from India aimed at restoring and maintaining historical gurdwaras and temples within Afghanistan.
According to sources from the delegation, the members also requested a relaxation of travel requirements for Afghan Hindus and Sikhs who have acquired Indian citizenship, allowing them to visit Afghanistan without visa applications. Many expressed interest in returning for business opportunities if the Taliban regime guarantees safety for minorities.
Additionally, the delegation proposed that the Afghan government, known as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, should consider appointing Afghan nationals from the Hindu and Sikh communities to roles within its mission in India to strengthen bilateral relations. They emphasized the importance of representation, suggesting that at least two individuals—one from each community—should hold high-ranking government positions, similar to arrangements during the previous regime.
The delegation also advocated for the restoration of property rights and estates owned by minorities that were confiscated during the previous government. The group, which consisted of approximately 30 prominent members of the Afghan Hindu and Sikh communities relocated to India over the years, is coordinated by the Afghan Minorities Council and the Indian World Forum.
Puneet Chandhok, the President of the Indian World Forum, expressed hope that the current regime would uphold the rights of minorities residing in Afghanistan. Following the meeting, Guljeet Singh, a notable community representative, relayed that the Foreign Minister assured them he would raise their concerns with the Afghan leadership. Singh noted that around 5,000 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus are currently living in Delhi, of whom most have obtained Indian citizenship, though there are still about 2,000 Afghan nationals among them.
The migration of Afghan Sikhs and Hindus has led many to relocate to countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany over the years.
