India’s Closed Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, to Reopen Soon, Says S Jaishankar

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Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister (FM), Amir Khan Muttaqi, visits New Delhi, marking his first visit to India after the Taliban seized control over Kabul in 2021. India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), S Jaishankar, held bilateral talks with Muttaqi on Friday. Several key topics were discussed, including India’s embassy in Kabul, which has remained closed since 2021.

Afghanistan’s FM Meets India’s EAM, S Jaishankar 

S Jaishankar welcomed the Afghanistan FM and his delegates and said this visit marks a step toward advancing the ties between both countries. The EAM recalled India’s previous interactions with Afghanistan: “We had opportunities to speak with each other during the Pahalgam attack and earthquakes in Afghanistan.”

He further added, “Meeting in person has special value in changing perspectives and sharing interests,” and that “As a contiguous neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress.”

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As the discussion deepened, Jaishankar announced that India is planning to reopen its embassy in Kabul to improve the diplomatic, economic, and cultural relationships with the administration ruled by the Taliban.

What did Amir Khan Muttaqi Say?

Muttaqi assured India of the Taliban’s current stance. He stated that Afghanistan would never allow any group to use its power and territory against a foreign country. The FM expressed gratitude toward India, saying, “In the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, India was the first responder. Afghanistan looks at India as a close friend.” He further added, ”We want relations based on mutual respect, trade, and people-to-people ties.”

Taliban’s Seizure of Kabul and the US Troops’ Withdrawal

The US had deployed its troops in Kabul mainly to protect its embassy and assist US citizens and Afghan allies in evacuation as the Afghan government started to collapse. Taliban’s rapid capture of the city led to forced and chaotic US withdrawal. The US had signed an agreement with the Taliban wherein it promised to leave Kabul in exchange for the security of US citizens and its Afghan allies.

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To sum up, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi after 2021. In the bilateral discussion, India announced its plans to upgrade the technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy. This move is seen as a strategic step to increase engagement and protect strategic interests between the two countries. Their discussion revolved around trade, humanitarian aid, and security cooperation.