India Restores Full Diplomatic Relations with Afghanistan, Upgrades Kabul Mission to Embassy Status

New Delhi:

India has restored full diplomatic relations with Afghanistan and will upgrade its Technical Mission in Kabul to an Embassy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced Friday morning, alongside Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi.

"India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. I am pleased to announce the upgrading of India's Technical Mission to status of Embassy," Jaishankar stated.

The minister expressed a "deep interest" in Afghanistan's development and progress, highlighting numerous India-backed projects in the country, while committing to six additional initiatives.

Jaishankar also mentioned India's "extended support" for Afghan healthcare, particularly during the COVID pandemic, offering a gift of 20 ambulances as a "goodwill gesture," along with high-tech medical equipment, vaccines, and cancer medications.

The embassy in Kabul had been downgraded four years ago, with consulate offices in smaller cities closed, during conflicts between the Taliban and the previous Afghan government.

RECAP | How India Evacuated Kabul Embassy, Under Taliban's Observation

The violence necessitated military aircraft deployment to evacuate embassy personnel; two C-17 transport planes flew in late August 15 and early August 16, 2021 to retrieve staff.

India resumed diplomatic presence in Kabul 10 months later, deploying a technical team to the embassy after the Taliban, which had captured the government, assured adequate security for Delhi's officials in the Afghan capital.

By October 2025, relations have significantly improved, highlighted by Muttaqi's firm declaration that the Taliban will not allow its soil to be used for anti-India activities.

This statement is significant against the backdrop of Pakistan's military action in Afghanistan – targeting what it claims are Afghan-backed terrorists operating from Pakistani territory.

READ | In Warning To Afghanistan, Khawaja Asif Has Terror Message For Pak

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently 'warned' Kabul that Islamabad – known for supporting terror groups attacking India – will not "tolerate cross-border terrorism..."

READ | Taliban Foreign Minister In India In Historic Diplomatic Breakthrough

The Taliban's condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack – conducted by a Pakistan-based group – marked another significant development, particularly regarding Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the region.

'Happy to be in New Delhi'

Muttaqi expressed appreciation for India during and after his meeting with Jaishankar, acknowledging India's swift response following the devastating August 31 earthquake.

That disaster claimed over 2,000 lives and destroyed more than 5,000 homes.

"I am happy to be in Delhi, and this visit will increase the understanding between the two countries. India and Afghanistan should increase their engagements and exchanges... we will not allow any group to use our territory against others," Muttaqi declared.

"In the recent earthquake... India was a 'first responder'. Afghanistan looks at India as a close friend (and) wants relations based on mutual respect, trade and people-to-people relations. We are ready to create a consultative mechanism of understanding to strengthen our relations."

Muttaqi's visit represents the first major diplomatic exchange with Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power. For this trip to occur, United Nations restrictions were temporarily suspended, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic engagement as the Taliban and India work to recalibrate relations.

For India, this visit represents a delicate yet strategic diplomatic initiative.

Direct engagement with the Taliban enables New Delhi to secure its long-term interests in Afghanistan, prevent regional terrorism threats, and counterbalance Chinese and Pakistani influence in the region.