India formally upgrades ‘technical mission’ in Kabul to embassy

India had withdrawn its embassy staff from Kabul after the Taliban took control in August 2021. In June 2022, India reinstated a “technical team” to maintain a diplomatic foothold in the Afghan capital. The latest upgrade elevates that mission to full embassy status, headed by a diplomat in the rank of Charge d’Affaires.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the move is part of India’s resolve to strengthen bilateral ties across all areas of mutual interest. The MEA statement said the upgraded embassy “will further augment India’s contribution to Afghanistan’s comprehensive development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building initiatives in alignment with the priorities and aspirations of Afghan society.”

Muttaqi’s recent six-day visit to India marked a fresh approach in New Delhi-Kabul relations, even as India has not formally recognised the Taliban regime. During his visit, the Afghan foreign minister said that Afghanistan will not allow any elements to threaten India or use Afghan territory against its interests, citing the ongoing threat posed by Daesh in the region.

Muttaqi also indicated that Afghanistan will send its diplomats to India as part of a gradual process to strengthen bilateral cooperation.