New Delhi: India on Tuesday announced the upgrade of its technical mission in Kabul to the status of a full-fledged embassy, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral engagement with Afghanistan.
The move comes about ten days after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, indicated that India would enhance its diplomatic presence in Kabul.
India had withdrawn its officials from the Kabul embassy after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. In June 2022, New Delhi re-established a limited diplomatic presence through a “technical team.”
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), restoring the embassy’s status reflects India’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s comprehensive development, humanitarian aid, and capacity-building efforts.
“In line with the decision announced during the recent visit of the Afghan foreign minister to India, the government is restoring the status of India’s technical mission in Kabul to that of the Embassy of India in Afghanistan with immediate effect,” the MEA said in a statement.
The ministry added that the decision highlights India’s determination to deepen engagement with Afghanistan “in all spheres of mutual interest.”
The mission in Kabul will be headed by a diplomat with the rank of Charge d’Affaires, sources said.
Muttaqi’s six-day visit to India earlier this month signalled a cautious recalibration in New Delhi’s approach toward Kabul, although India has yet to formally recognize the Taliban government.
During his visit, Muttaqi assured that Afghanistan would not allow any group to use its territory against India’s interests.
“We will not permit any elements to threaten others or use Afghanistan’s soil against anyone. Daesh remains a regional challenge, and Afghanistan stands on the frontlines of this struggle,” he said.
He also indicated that Kabul plans to send its own diplomats to India as part of a gradual effort to improve bilateral relations.
