India will reopen its embassy in Kabul, nearly four years after it was shut down following the Taliban’s return to power, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar announced on Friday. The decision marks a significant step in expanding India’s diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
India closed its embassy in 2021 after US-led NATO forces withdrew and the Taliban seized control of the country. A year later, New Delhi established a limited technical mission in Kabul to facilitate trade, medical assistance, and humanitarian support.
Jaishankar made the announcement during talks with Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who is on a six-day visit to India — the first by a Taliban leader since the group regained power.
“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks. “Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development, as well as regional stability and resilience.” He confirmed that India’s current technical mission would be upgraded to a full embassy, though no timeline was specified.
The move places India among a dozen countries — including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey — maintaining embassies in Kabul. Of these, Russia remains the only nation to have formally recognised the Taliban administration.
Muttaqi’s visit, made possible by a temporary UN travel ban exemption, is aimed at strengthening economic and political relations. The Afghan foreign ministry said discussions would focus on trade, regional cooperation, and development projects.
While India and Afghanistan have shared a long history of friendly ties, New Delhi has not officially recognised the Taliban government. Analysts say the renewed diplomatic contact reflects a pragmatic step by both sides — India seeking stability and influence in the region, and the Taliban pursuing broader international engagement amid economic hardship and limited recognition.
Melissa Enoch
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