October 14, 2025

A bright spotlight was on New Delhi on October 13, 2025, when a special group of Afghan Hindus and Sikhs — who escaped their homeland due to religious fear — sat face-to-face with Taliban Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi at the Afghanistan Embassy. The 15-member delegation made it clear that they will consider returning only if the Taliban firmly guarantees their safety and secures their homes and holy places. Guljeet Singh, president of Gurudwara Guru Nanak Sahib Ji in Delhi, was among the group. He revealed, “The exodus of the minority community from Afghanistan to India started in 1992 and presently around 5,000 Sikhs and Hindus from there live in India.” This meeting lasted around 45-50 minutes and was full of bright hopes and serious talks about the future. Mr. Singh also shared a revealing story: after the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, India evacuated 276 Sikhs on emergency visas. However, many moved on to Canada because it offered asylum. Only about 20-25 Sikhs remain in Afghanistan, mainly to protect gurudwaras, and just two Hindu families are left. Puneet Singh Chandhoke, president of the India World Forum, which helps Afghan refugees, explained that the delegation also asked Mr. Muttaqi to allow a joint group of Hindu and Sikh leaders from India to visit Afghanistan. ‘‘They want to restore and maintain historic gurdwaras and temples. Plus, they hope for political representation like before—two from each community in high government roles,’’ Chandhoke said. They also suggested appointing Afghan Hindus or Sikhs in diplomatic posts in India to build stronger ties. One key demand was for the Taliban government to restore the property rights of minorities and issue clear instructions to all provinces to protect religious sites. As Chandhoke stated, the minorities want a “directive to provide appropriate security and assistance for maintenance of gurdwaras and temples.” This meeting, during Mr. Muttaqi’s week-long visit to India, shines a light on a tense but important story: can these historic communities safely return to their ancient lands? Will the Taliban keep its promise? Only time will tell, but today, the voices of Afghan Hindus and Sikhs rang loud and clear in New Delhi.

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Tags: Afghanistan, Taliban, India, Sikhs, Hindus, Religious safety,