India will reopen its embassy in Kabul, nearly four years after it was shut down following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
The announcement came on Friday during a high-level meeting between Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi.
The move marks a significant step in restoring diplomatic engagement with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. Jaishankar said India’s technical mission in Kabul would now be upgraded to full embassy status, though he did not specify a timeline for the change.
During the meeting, Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi expressed satisfaction over his visit to India and underscored his government’s desire to enhance bilateral relations. “I am happy to come to New Delhi and keen to enhance relations,” Muttaqi said, inviting Indian companies to invest in Afghanistan.
He assured India that no group will be allowed to use Afghan territory against other nations, a statement seen as an attempt to address long-standing regional security concerns.
India emphasises shared interests, regional stability
In his remarks, Jaishankar acknowledged Afghanistan’s efforts to engage regionally and praised its commitment to dialogue.
“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan,” he said. “Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development, as well as regional stability and resilience.”
Jaishankar also noted that India’s solidarity with Afghanistan was built on shared aspirations and challenges, reaffirming the country’s intent to maintain constructive engagement.
Taliban’s first high-level visit to India since 2021
Muttaqi’s six-day visit marks the first official trip by a Taliban leader to India since the group returned to power in August 2021. The visit was made possible after the UN Security Council Committee temporarily lifted Muttaqi’s travel ban, which is part of the sanctions imposed on several Taliban leaders.
The Afghan foreign ministry said talks with Indian officials would cover political, economic, and trade cooperation. Analysts view the visit as part of the Taliban’s broader efforts to build diplomatic legitimacy and attract regional investment amid Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian and economic crisis.
India’s diplomatic history with Afghanistan
India had closed its embassy in Kabul following the Taliban’s takeover after the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces in 2021. However, a technical mission was re-established a year later to facilitate trade, medical assistance, and humanitarian aid.
About a dozen countries, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkiye, currently operate embassies in Kabul. Of these, only Russia has formally recognized the Taliban administration.
While New Delhi has not recognized the Taliban government, Friday’s announcement signals a measured diplomatic thaw focused on stability, security, and economic engagement.
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