India restored its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy on Tuesday — part of a broader effort to deepen its bilateral engagement with the Afghanistan government. India had withdrawn officials from the city as the Taliban seized power in August 2021 and later re-established its diplomatic presence with a ‘technical team’. Ties between the two countries have improved in recent weeks as Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India for the first time.
“In keeping with the decision announced during the recent visit of the Afghan Foreign Minister to India, the Government is restoring the status of the Technical Mission of India in Kabul to that of Embassy of India in Afghanistan with immediate effect. This decision underscores India’s resolve to deepen its bilateral engagement with the Afghan side in all spheres of mutual interest,” read an official update from the Ministry of External Affairs.
The MEA said the move would help augment Indian contributions to the comprehensive development of Afghanistan. It is also intended to ensure humanitarian assistance and capacity-building initiatives for the other country. According to a PTI update, the mission will be headed by a diplomat in the rank of Charge d’affaires.
Improving India-Afghanistan ties
Muttaqi was in India this month for six days that signalled a new approach in New Delhi’s ties with Kabul though it has not yet recognised the Taliban set up.
The foreign minister of the Taliban set-up had said Afghanistan will not allow any elements to use its territory against New Delhi’s interests.
Muttaqi told a select group of journalists that Kabul will also send diplomats to India as part of step-by-step efforts to improve the bilateral ties.
“We will not allow any (element) to threaten anyone else or use the territory of Afghanistan against others. Daesh is a challenge for the region and Afghanistan is at the frontlines of this struggle,” he had said.