New Delhi: India on Friday announced the upgrade of its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressing appreciation to the Taliban administration for its sensitivity toward New Delhi’s security concerns.
Jaishankar made the announcement during wide-ranging discussions with visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
India had withdrawn its diplomatic personnel from Kabul after the Taliban seized power in August 2021. However, in June 2022, New Delhi re-established a limited presence in the Afghan capital through the deployment of a “technical team.”
“Your visit marks an important step in strengthening our relations and reaffirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks.
“As a close neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your peace, development, and prosperity,” he added.
Jaishankar announced that India’s long-standing development partnership with Afghanistan—responsible for numerous infrastructure and humanitarian projects—has now been renewed.
The External Affairs Ministry said both nations share a common commitment to growth and stability but face the mutual threat of cross-border terrorism.
“These challenges demand that we coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” Jaishankar noted. “We appreciate your understanding of India’s security concerns, and your solidarity after the Pahalgam terrorist attack was deeply valued.”
Muttaqi, in his response, described India as a significant regional partner that has consistently supported the Afghan people and contributed to their development in multiple sectors.
