Kabul (TDI): India has officially reopened its embassy in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, marking a significant shift in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The move follows Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s recent visit to New Delhi, and comes after Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s earlier announcement that India would restore full diplomatic status to its mission in Kabul.
The embassy had been closed after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces. However, a smaller mission was established a year later to manage trade, medical aid, and humanitarian assistance.
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The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement confirming the restoration of the embassy’s status, emphasizing the goal of deepening bilateral ties with Afghanistan.
This decision is aimed at bolstering India’s contributions to Afghanistan’s development, humanitarian relief, and capacity-building efforts, aligned with the needs and priorities of the Afghan people.
India’s embassy reopening is a notable step in the context of broader regional relations. While India historically enjoyed close ties with Afghanistan, it does not officially recognize the Taliban regime.
Nevertheless, a number of countries, including Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran, and Turkiye, maintain embassies in Kabul. Russia is the only country to have formally recognized the Taliban government.
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Muttaqi’s visit to India was seen as an attempt by the Taliban to forge stronger economic and diplomatic relations with regional powers, as they continue to seek international recognition and economic cooperation despite ongoing criticism of their treatment of women.
