India to reopen embassy in Kabul, deepen engagement with Afghanistan

Jaishankar announces upgrade of India's Kabul mission as Taliban foreign minister visits New Delhi, signalling cautious but deeper diplomatic engagement

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday welcomed Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi and announced the reopening of India’s embassy in the capital city of Kabul.

 

Jaishankar, who met with Muttaqi, welcomed the Afghan delegation to India. During his opening remarks, the external affairs minister told Afghanistan’s foreign minister, “Your visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan.”

 

He further said, “India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. 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.”

First high-level Afghan visit since Taliban takeover

 

Muttaqi’s visit is the first high-level visit from Kabul since the Taliban came to power in August 2021, following the fall of Ashraf Ghani’s government. During his six-day visit, he is set to hold extensive talks with Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. He will also visit Agra and the Deoband seminary over the next few days and meet members of the Afghan community.

Threats of cross-border terrorism

 

The two leaders previously spoke after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack and again following the Kunar and Nangarhar earthquake. Highlighting the heightened threats of cross-border terrorism, Jaishankar told Muttaqi that the two neighbours should coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms. He also appreciated Kabul for its solidarity with India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.

Deep interest in the development and progress of Afghanistan: Jaishankar

 

Jaishankar highlighted India’s deep interest in the development and progress of Afghanistan, reiterating that the nation is a well-wisher of the Afghan people. He reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries, which has supported numerous Indian-led projects in Afghanistan.

 

He added that New Delhi is open to discussing the maintenance and repair of completed projects, as well as the completion of those that have already been committed to.

 

Shedding light on how India has long supported Afghanistan’s health security, Jaishankar emphasised India’s role in assisting its neighbour during the Covid-19 pandemic. He added that New Delhi is now ready to commit six new projects to Kabul, details of which will be announced once the talks conclude.

India gifts 20 ambulances to Afghanistan

 

As a gesture of goodwill, the external affairs minister announced the gift of 20 ambulances to Afghanistan. As a symbolic step, five of these were handed over personally by Jaishankar.

 

Additionally, India will provide MRI and CT scan machines, deliver immunisation vaccines, and supply cancer medicines to hospitals across Afghanistan.

Indian aid to Afghanistan during times of need

 

Jaishankar further highlighted India’s role as a first responder, delivering relief materials to earthquake-hit sites within hours. He also noted that India continues to be a significant provider of food aid to the Afghan people, with another consignment scheduled for delivery soon.

 

Expressing concern over the forcibly repatriated Afghan refugees, Jaishankar said that India is ready to assist in constructing their residences and will provide material aid to help them rebuild their lives.

Commencement of additional flights to Kabul

 

India will also commence additional flights to Kabul amid the two countries’ shared interest in boosting trade and commerce. A new visa module for Afghan citizens has been introduced earlier this year, Jaishankar said, adding that New Delhi is now issuing a greater number of visas, including in medical, business, and student categories.

India-Taliban ties

 

While India has not fully recognised the Taliban government, Jaishankar held a phone call with Muttaqi on May 15, the highest-level contact since the Taliban takeover in 2021.

 

Earlier in January, the Taliban described India as an “important regional and economic power” following talks between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Muttaqi.