India has officially upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, marking a significant shift in its diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan after more than four years of limited presence in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that the move aligns with India’s broader goal of enhancing bilateral cooperation and development support in Afghanistan.
“In keeping with the decision announced during the recent visit of the Afghan foreign minister to India, the Government is restoring the status of the technical mission of India in Kabul to that of the Embassy of India in Afghanistan with immediate effect,” the MEA said in a statement.
This development follows a meeting earlier this month between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. During the discussions, both sides expressed interest in expanding bilateral ties, with India committing to increasing its diplomatic footprint in the Afghan capital.
India had evacuated its diplomats from Kabul in August 2021 following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.
However, in June 2022, New Delhi re-established a limited diplomatic presence by sending a “technical team” to oversee humanitarian aid and development projects. Tuesday’s announcement signifies a full restoration of India’s diplomatic mission.
While India has not formally recognised the Taliban Government, the decision to upgrade the mission reflects New Delhi’s pragmatic approach toward engaging with the current Afghan authorities. According to officials, the embassy.
The MEA emphasised that the upgraded embassy will help enhance India’s role in Afghanistan’s “comprehensive development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building initiatives,” in line with the needs and priorities of the Afghan people.
India has historically played a significant role in Afghanistan’s development, contributing over $3 billion in infrastructure projects, education, and healthcare initiatives over the past two decades. During his visit to India, Muttaqi assured that Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used against India’s interests, citing efforts to curb the threat of Daesh (ISIS) and other extremist elements.
“We will not allow any element to threaten anyone else or use Afghan soil against others,” Muttaqi told journalists in New Delhi, reiterating Kabul’s commitment to regional security. He also confirmed that Afghanistan plans to send its diplomats to India as part of a gradual strengthening of bilateral ties.
While India’s move stops short of formal recognition of the Taliban regime, it signals a growing willingness to engage with the de facto authorities in Kabul on matters of mutual interest, particularly in areas of development, security, and humanitarian cooperation.
This step-by-step engagement reflects India’s evolving strategy in the region, balancing its strategic interests with on-ground realities in post-2021 Afghanistan.
