New Delhi: India announced that it will upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, marking a significant step in restoring diplomatic relations with Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar conveyed the decision to Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, highlighting the historical ties between the two nations and India’s consistent support for Afghanistan during crises.
The Indian embassy in Kabul had been downgraded four years ago, with consulate offices in smaller cities closed amid violent clashes between the Taliban and the former Afghan government. During that period, India evacuated its diplomatic personnel using two C-17 transport aircraft in August 2021.
Diplomatic presence gradually resumed last year with a technical team deployed under assurances of security from the Taliban, who had then taken control of the Afghan government. The recent upgrade to a full embassy reflects a further improvement in bilateral relations and India’s commitment to strengthening engagement with Kabul.
In the meeting, Muttaqi assured that Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used for attacks against India, reinforcing mutual security interests. He also praised India’s swift humanitarian response following the devastating August 31 earthquake, which claimed over 2,000 lives and destroyed more than 5,000 homes.
This move underlines India’s enduring support for Afghanistan’s reconstruction and stability while reaffirming the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
