India Afghanistan Embassy Upgrade: India has elevated its diplomatic relations with Afghanistan to a new level by officially upgrading the technical mission in Kabul to the status of an “Indian Embassy.” This decision comes after External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi recently met in New Delhi, where the decision was announced.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement stating that this move will further strengthen India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s overall development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity building. This upgrade is considered a significant step towards restoring India-Afghanistan relations.
Indian Embassy in Kabul will now be fully functional
The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that in line with the decision taken during the recent visit of the Afghan Foreign Minister to India, the Government of India is upgrading the Technical Mission of India in Kabul to the status of Indian Embassy with immediate effect. This Embassy will now further strengthen India’s development, assistance and training programmes keeping in mind the priorities and aspirations of the Afghan society.
The embassy is headed by a diplomat of the rank of Chargé d’affaires.
The new embassy will be headed by a senior Indian diplomat of the rank of Chargé d’affaires. This change reflects India’s full commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India is fully committed to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. Our cooperation will not only accelerate Afghan development but also strengthen regional stability.
Indian officers were recalled in 2021
India withdrew all officials from its embassy in Kabul after the Taliban came to power in August 2021. Subsequently, in June 2022, India re-instated a technical team to Kabul, which has now been given full-fledged embassy status.
Afghan Foreign Minister expresses confidence
During the meeting in New Delhi, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi assured that Afghan soil would not be used by any forces against India. Daesh (ISIS) poses a significant threat to the region, and Afghanistan stands on the front lines against it. He also stated that Afghanistan plans to send diplomats to India, signaling a gradual strengthening of bilateral relations.
A new chapter in India-Afghanistan relations
Muttaqi’s six-day visit to India is being seen as the beginning of a new approach in relations between the two countries. Although India has not yet formally recognized the Taliban government, this decision clearly indicates India’s desire to increase engagement with Afghanistan from a humanitarian and developmental perspective.
