India has officially reopened its embassy in Kabul, marking a major shift in its diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration. The move comes nearly four years after New Delhi closed its mission following the Taliban takeover in August 2021.
According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the decision restores the status of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy “with immediate effect.” The announcement followed Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi, where both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties.
The MEA said the reopening demonstrates India’s commitment to deepen its engagement with Afghanistan in areas such as development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity building. “The Government of India remains committed to working with the Afghan side on issues of mutual interest,” the statement read.
India had previously closed its embassy in Kabul in August 2021 after the fall of the former Afghan government. However, it later established a small technical mission to oversee trade facilitation, medical aid, and humanitarian support to the Afghan people.
Earlier this month, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar confirmed that New Delhi would reopen its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, calling it a “measured and strategic step” toward rebuilding trust and cooperation.
Currently, around a dozen countries, including Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran, and Turkiye, maintain active embassies in Kabul. Of these, Russia is the only nation that has formally recognized the Taliban government.
Muttaqi’s recent six-day trip to India underscored Kabul’s ongoing efforts to build stronger regional relations and seek broader diplomatic engagement. Analysts suggest that the move signals both sides’ interest in fostering economic cooperation and restoring stability in the region.
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Despite reopening its embassy, India has not officially recognized the Taliban regime but continues to emphasize its support for the Afghan people through humanitarian and development programs.
