India has announced plans to reopen its embassy in Kabul, marking a major step in restoring diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan. The decision comes almost four years after the embassy was shut down following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting in New Delhi between Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Jaishankar said India’s technical mission in Kabul will be upgraded to a full-fledged embassy, though he did not specify when the transition will take place.
During the talks, Muttaqi expressed satisfaction over his visit to India and called for stronger ties between the two countries. He invited Indian companies to invest in Afghanistan, assuring that Afghan soil would not be used against any nation. His statement was seen as a move to ease regional security concerns.
Jaishankar, in response, highlighted India’s support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that regional cooperation would promote development, stability, and resilience. “Our relationship with Afghanistan is built on shared history and aspirations,” Jaishankar said, reaffirming India’s commitment to constructive dialogue.
Muttaqi’s visit is the first official trip by a Taliban leader to India since the group regained control of Kabul in August 2021. The visit was allowed after the UN Security Council temporarily lifted Muttaqi’s travel ban. The discussions reportedly covered trade, economic collaboration, and regional peace.
India had previously shut down its Kabul embassy after the Taliban takeover and later opened a technical mission to oversee humanitarian and trade initiatives. Currently, countries like China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkiye maintain embassies in Kabul, though only Russia formally recognizes the Taliban administration.
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While India has not officially recognized the Taliban government, the reopening of its embassy marks a cautious but important diplomatic shift. The move signals India’s intent to re-engage with Afghanistan for regional stability and economic cooperation.
