India on Friday announced the upgrade of its technical mission in Kabul to the status of a full-fledged embassy.
The announcement was made by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar during high-level talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
This marks a key shift in India’s diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan, more than four years after New Delhi withdrew its officials from Kabul following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. India had cautiously re-established a presence in June 2022 by deploying a “technical team” in the Afghan Capital.
“Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development, as well as regional stability and resilience,” said the EAM.
“To enhance that, I am pleased to announce the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of the Embassy of India.”
The move comes alongside India’s renewed commitment to development efforts in Afghanistan. Jaishankar said New Delhi is ready to launch six new development projects in the country, with further details to be announced soon. He also handed over five of 20 promised ambulances as part of a goodwill gesture.
India deepens Kabul presence The EAM acknowledged the Taliban for showing “sensitivity” toward India’s security concerns, especially following the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack. He also reiterated the need for both countries to coordinate closely to combat the shared threat of cross-border terror.
“Both India and Afghanistan have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity,” said Jaishankar. “However, these are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism. We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Foreign Minister Muttaqi, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a six-day visit, assured India that Afghan territory would not be used against its interests. He also identified Daesh (ISIS) as the primary regional threat, emphasising Kabul’s role at the “frontlines” of the counter-terrorism effort.
“We will not allow any element to use Afghanistan’s soil against any country,” Muttaqi stated. “Daesh is a challenge for the region, and the Islamic Emirate has worked hard to eradicate it.”
