India upgrades technical mission in Kabul to full-fledged embassy

India upgrades technical mission in Kabul to full-fledged embassy

India has upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy.

The announcement was made by Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar during his meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi.

"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 Embassy of India," he said.

Jaishankar emphasizes importance of face-to-face meetings in building relationships

During the meeting, India also announced plans for additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi.

Jaishankar also highlighted past opportunities for dialogue during crises such as the Pahalgam attack and earthquakes in Afghanistan.

"A meeting between us...has a special value in allowing us to exchange perspectives...and forge closer cooperation...As a first responder, Indian relief materials were delivered to the earthquake sites within hours...last month. We would like to contribute to the reconstruction of residences in the affected areas," Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar thanks Taliban for being sensitive toward India's security concerns

The two leaders also discussed the threat of cross-border terrorism, which both nations face.

Jaishankar said, "We have a common commitment to growth and prosperity; however, these are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism that both our nations face."

Agreeing with Jaishankar on the cross-border terrorism issue, Muttaqi said his country "will not allow any group to use our territory against others."

Jaishankar further thanked Muttaqi for being sensitive toward India's security concerns after the Pahalgam terror attack.

First visit by senior Taliban official since takeover of Kabul

Muttaqi's visit to India is the first by a senior Taliban official since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021.

Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi closed in 2023 after the takeover; however, its consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad still offer limited consular services.

Muttaqi's visit to India comes after meetings in Russia, the only country to have officially accepted the Taliban government.