India Restores Embassy in Kabul: A New Chapter in India-Afghanistan Relations

New Delhi: India announced on Tuesday the elevation of its technical mission in Kabul to embassy status, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations with Afghanistan.

This announcement follows External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi, where he indicated India's intention to upgrade its diplomatic presence in Kabul.

India had previously withdrawn its diplomatic personnel from Kabul following the Taliban's rise to power in August 2021, only to reestablish a limited presence through a "technical team" in June 2022.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the restored embassy will enhance India's ability to contribute to Afghanistan's development, provide humanitarian assistance, and support capacity-building initiatives.

"The government is restoring the status of the technical mission of India in Kabul to that of the Embassy of India in Afghanistan with immediate effect," the MEA stated, highlighting India's commitment to deepening engagement with Afghanistan "in all spheres of mutual interest."

The embassy will be led by a diplomat with the rank of Charge d'affaires, sources indicate.

Muttaqi's recent six-day visit to India represented a notable shift in New Delhi's approach toward Kabul, despite India not yet formally recognizing the Taliban government.

During his visit, the Afghan foreign minister assured that Afghanistan would prevent any elements from using its territory against India's interests.

He also mentioned plans for Afghanistan to send its own diplomats to India as part of gradual efforts to improve bilateral relations.

"We will not allow any element to threaten anyone else or use the territory of Afghanistan against others. Daesh is a challenge for the region and Afghanistan is at the frontlines of this struggle," Muttaqi stated during his interaction with select journalists.