India has announced plans to reopen its embassy in Kabul, signaling a cautious but significant step toward restoring diplomatic engagement with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The decision was conveyed by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar during his meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Friday, marking the first high-level visit from Kabul to New Delhi since the Taliban’s return to power more than four years ago.
Dr. Jaishankar confirmed that India’s current technical mission in Kabul will be upgraded to a full-fledged embassy. Emphasizing New Delhi’s consistent support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and independence, he stated, “India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development as well as regional stability and resilience. To enhance that, I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of the Embassy of India.”
This development marks a notable shift in India’s diplomatic stance since it had scaled down its presence in Kabul after the Taliban took control in 2021. While India has yet to formally recognize the Taliban government, the move suggests a pragmatic approach to maintaining engagement, particularly in the context of humanitarian aid and regional security.
Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi became possible after the UN Security Council granted him a temporary travel exemption. The exemption, approved on September 30, allows the Afghan foreign minister to travel between October 9 and 16 for official diplomatic meetings. His earlier planned visit in September had been canceled due to restrictions imposed under UN sanctions.
The talks in New Delhi focused on strengthening bilateral ties, economic cooperation, and ensuring that Afghan territory is not used for terrorism against any country—a stance India has consistently maintained.
Earlier in May, Jaishankar had held a phone conversation with Muttaqi, marking the highest-level contact between the two governments since the Taliban’s return. The renewed interaction is viewed as part of India’s broader effort to safeguard its strategic interests in Afghanistan while promoting regional peace and stability.
In January, the Taliban regime had described India as an “important regional and economic power,” following talks between Afghanistan’s foreign minister and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri—indicating a mutual interest in rebuilding constructive ties.
The reopening of India’s embassy in Kabul represents both a diplomatic recalibration and a reaffirmation of India’s long-standing commitment to the Afghan people.
