Atta Mohammad Noor, an influential Afghan politician, once a key leader of the Northern Alliance that fought against the Taliban in the 1990s has said India should engage with the Taliban. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Atta Noor said, "India has the right and engages the Taliban and in line with their national interests".

WION exclusive with Former Northern Alliance leader, Atta Noor

Afghanistan's 'King of the North' handed the reins to his hand-picked successor on Thursday, ending a three-month political crisis that many had feared would turn violent

Afghan strongman makes way for hand-picked successor, ending crisis

Atta Mohammad Noor has had a complicated relationship with the president, who has tried previously to remove him but with whom he also discussed a possible role in the government earlier this year.

Powerful Afghan regional leader ousted as political picture clouds

Afghanistan recently sent a team of officials to investigate alleged abuses by militias loyal to two rival strongmen in the country's north

Open criticism, unruly militias add to Afghan government woes