India to reopen embassy in Afghan capital Kabul

Kabul/New Delhi (Web Desk): India has officially restored its diplomatic ties with Afghanistan by reopening its embassy in Kabul, signaling the start of a new phase in bilateral cooperation.

The announcement came from India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during a joint press briefing with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Jaishankar revealed that the Indian Technical Mission, which had been operating in Kabul, has now been upgraded to a full embassy.

As part of this renewed engagement, India has pledged continued support to Afghanistan in critical areas such as health and development. India will send 20 ambulances, modern medical equipment, vaccines, and cancer medications to Afghanistan. Additionally, India has committed to six new development projects aimed at supporting Afghanistan’s growth and stability.

Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed India’s decision and assured that Afghanistan would take all necessary measures to guarantee the safety of India’s diplomatic personnel. He also emphasized that Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used for any anti-India activities, saying, "We aim to build strong and stable relations with India."

India had closed its embassy in Kabul in 2021 due to security concerns following the Taliban's return to power and the US military withdrawal. For nearly ten months, there were no formal diplomatic exchanges between the two nations.

After receiving assurances from the Taliban about security, India dispatched a technical team to Kabul. This team has now been elevated to a full embassy.

Despite the reopening of its diplomatic mission, India has not yet officially recognized the Taliban government. Russia remains the only major country to extend formal recognition to the Taliban, while most other nations are adopting a cautious approach.

India’s decision to resume diplomatic relations is seen as a step toward rebuilding trust and opening new opportunities for cooperation with Afghanistan. Further developments in the diplomatic ties between the two countries are anticipated in the near future.