By Ministry of External Affairs-India
ISLAMABAD: India has reopened its embassy in the Afghan capital, Kabul, marking a significant step toward rebuilding diplomatic engagement with the Taliban-led government, Dawn.com reported on Tuesday.
New Delhi had shuttered its embassy in 2021 after the Talibanâs takeover following the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces. A year later, India established a limited âtechnical missionâ to facilitate trade, humanitarian aid, and medical support.
According to Indiaâs Ministry of External Affairs, the mission has now been fully upgraded to an embassy âwith immediate effect,â in line with the decision announced during the recent visit of Afghanistanâs foreign minister to India. The ministry said the move reflects Indiaâs commitment to âdeepening bilateral engagement with the Afghan side in all spheres of mutual interest.â
âThe embassy will further augment Indiaâs contribution to Afghanistanâs comprehensive development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, in keeping with the priorities and aspirations of Afghan society,â the statement added.
Although New Delhi does not officially recognise the Taliban administration, it has gradually expanded contact through high-level meetings and diplomatic exchanges. Earlier this month, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar confirmed plans to restore the embassy during talks in New Delhi with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi â the first visit by a Taliban leader to India since 2021.
Indiaâs move aligns it with a small group of countries maintaining diplomatic presence in Kabul, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkiye. Among them, Russia remains the only state to have formally recognised the Taliban government.
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