India has announced that it will upgrade its technical mission in Afghanistan to a full-fledged embassy, signaling a significant step in bilateral engagement between the two countries. The announcement was made by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during his meeting with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi.
India had maintained a large embassy in Kabul until the Taliban takeover in August 2021, after which most diplomats were withdrawn and the facility was downgraded to a technical mission. Jaishankar stated, “I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India,” underscoring the importance New Delhi places on diplomatic and developmental engagement with Afghanistan.
Muttaqi’s visit to India, the first by a senior Taliban leader since their return to power, was cleared by a UN Security Council travel waiver and comes amid heightened regional attention, particularly from neighboring Pakistan.
The visit reflects India’s strategic approach to engage with the Taliban government while addressing shared concerns over cross-border terrorism and regional stability.
During the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted areas of mutual interest, including growth, prosperity, and security. He praised Afghanistan’s “solidarity with us in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack” and acknowledged Kabul’s sensitivity to India’s security concerns.
In response, Muttaqi described India as a “close friend,” emphasizing assistance provided by New Delhi following the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. He assured that Afghan territory would not be used to threaten other nations.
The discussions also touched on economic cooperation, with Afghanistan inviting Indian companies to explore mining opportunities and expand trade and commerce.
Analysts note that while India is strengthening diplomatic and economic engagement, it remains cautious about formally recognizing the Taliban government, focusing instead on practical cooperation and regional stability.
The upgrading of India’s mission to a full embassy reflects New Delhi’s nuanced approach: engaging with Afghanistan diplomatically, supporting development, and safeguarding national security interests, without immediately extending formal recognition to the Taliban regime. This move marks a significant milestone in India-Afghanistan relations amid evolving regional dynamics.
