India to Reopen Embassy in Kabul Following Muttaqi’s Visit
Tawazon – India on Tuesday announced the upgrading of its diplomatic mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, marking a new phase in New Delhi’s engagement with the Taliban government, though without granting formal recognition to the regime.
“In keeping with the decision announced during the recent visit of the Afghan Foreign Minister to India, the government is restoring the status of the Technical Mission of India in Kabul to that of the Embassy of India in Afghanistan with immediate effect. This decision underscores India’s resolve to deepen its bilateral engagement with the Afghan side in all spheres of mutual interest,” the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said.
It added that the embassy will augment India’s contribution to “Afghanistan’s comprehensive development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building initiatives”.
The reopening comes four years after India withdrew its officials from Kabul following the Taliban takeover in August 2021. In 2022, a “technical team” was deployed in the Afghan capital, which has now been upgraded to full embassy status.
The announcement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs came shortly after the visit of Taliban acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi, the first such visit by a senior Taliban official since the group’s return to power.
During his trip from October 9 to 15, Muttaqi met with India’s foreign minister, S. Jaishankar. Following the talks, Jaishankar had hinted that India would enhance its diplomatic presence in Kabul, a move now officially confirmed.
