India’s soft-power diplomacy has yielded significant strategic gains in its relationship with Afghanistan, particularly as Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s recent visit to New Delhi marks a pivotal moment in bilateral ties. This visit comes amidst Pakistan’s frustration over the Taliban’s refusal to act as a proxy and its deteriorating relations with Kabul, exacerbated by ongoing tensions over border issues and terrorism. During his discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Muttaqi announced the intention to upgrade India’s technical mission in Kabul to a full diplomatic mission and emphasized Afghanistan’s commitment to preventing its territory from being used for attacks against other nations. He invited Indian businesses to invest in Afghanistan’s mining and energy sectors, underscoring a shift towards greater economic collaboration. The backdrop of this engagement indicates Pakistan’s diminishing influence in Afghanistan, as India’s strategic partnerships expand in the region, particularly with Iran and Central Asian nations. This evolving dynamic suggests that Afghanistan may emerge as a pivotal player in South Asia’s geopolitical landscape, necessitating a recalibration of Pakistan’s strategies to address increasing Indian presence and influence.