India officially upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to the status of a fully functional embassy on Friday, a pivotal move that reinforces its diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan. This decision came during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s discussions with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi.
Following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, India withdrew its diplomatic staff from Kabul. To maintain a connection, it redeployed a small technical team in June 2022. Now, with this upgrade, India intends to enhance its cooperation with Afghanistan, emphasizing humanitarian aid, infrastructure development, and regional security efforts.
“Your visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan,” Jaishankar remarked during the meeting. “As a contiguous neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress.” This statement highlights India’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan in various sectors.
Jaishankar reflected on the renewed partnership, mentioning the execution of numerous significant projects in Afghanistan over the years. He noted the Taliban administration’s positive response to India’s security concerns, especially following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Such considerations underline the complexities of India’s diplomatic approach towards Afghanistan.
Both nations recognize the shared challenges posed by cross-border terrorism. “We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” Jaishankar stated, underlining the urgency of collaboration between India and Afghanistan in addressing this common threat.
Expressing gratitude, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi characterized India as a crucial regional partner that has continually extended support to the Afghan populace. He valued India’s humanitarian contributions and emphasized Kabul’s eagerness to broaden cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and education.
The upgrade of India’s diplomatic mission to embassy status marks a significant yet calculated re-engagement with the Taliban-led government. This decision stems from India’s concerns over security, regional stability, and its long-standing relationship with the Afghan people. As India navigates the complexities of this partnership, it remains committed to fostering stability and development in Afghanistan.
