India Elevates Kabul Mission to Embassy Status Amid Renewed Bilateral Ties

India has upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to an embassy to strengthen bilateral engagements with Afghanistan. This move follows discussions between Indian and Afghan foreign ministers. The Embassy will focus on development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, underscoring India's commitment to the region despite not recognizing the Taliban regime.

In a strategic move to foster stronger ties with Afghanistan, India announced on Tuesday the elevation of its technical mission in Kabul to an embassy. This decision is part of India's broader efforts to enhance its bilateral engagements with Afghanistan.

The announcement follows the recent meetings between India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, where the upgrade decision was reached. India's diplomatic mission was previously withdrawn after the Taliban seized power in August 2021, but was partially restored with a technical team in mid-2022.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that this restoration to embassy status will bolster India's contributions to Afghanistan, focusing on comprehensive development, humanitarian aid, and capacity-building efforts. The mission will be led by a Charge d'affaires and underscores India's resolve to engage with the Afghan government across several domains of mutual interest.

(With inputs from agencies.)