Indo Afgan Diplomatic Relations: India Upgrades Kabul Mission to Embassy Status
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on October 21, "In line with the decision announced during the Afghan Foreign Minister's recent visit to India, the government is restoring the status of the Indian Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan with immediate effect. This decision underlines India's resolve to strengthen its bilateral relations with the Afghan side in all areas of mutual interest.
The Indian Embassy in Kabul will further enhance India's contribution to Afghanistan's comprehensive development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, in line with the priorities and aspirations of Afghan society."
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced the promotion of its Technical Mission in Kabul to embassy status. He also commended the Taliban for showing sensitivity to New Delhi's security concerns. "India is fully committed to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. To further strengthen this, I am pleased to announce today the elevation of India's Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of an Indian Embassy," Jaishankar said during a press conference in New Delhi.
India closed its embassy in Afghanistan in 2021 after the Taliban seized power in the country following the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces. Since then, India has maintained a limited mission to oversee trade, humanitarian, and medical efforts in the country. Following the embassy closure, India opened a technical mission in Kabul in 2022, primarily focused on humanitarian assistance. The reopening of the Indian embassy in Afghanistan marks New Delhi's first full diplomatic presence in Kabul after four years. This move comes at a time when India and Afghanistan are expanding cooperation in trade, healthcare, and cultural exchanges.
(Report by Shashwat Tiwari)
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