The Afghan embassy in India has suspended all operations as the ambassador and other senior diplomats have left the country for Europe and the United States, where they have gained asylum.

India does not recognize the Taliban government and had allowed diplomats appointed by the previous Afghan government to handle visas and trade matters.

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At least five Afghan diplomats have left India, and the Indian government will now take over the diplomatic compound in a caretaker capacity.

This development comes as hundreds of Afghan college students in India have staged a demonstration to urge the Indian government to extend their stay as their student visas expired.