India upgrades Kabul technical mission to embassy status

India is upgrading its technical mission in Kabul to full embassy status, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced during a meeting Friday with Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Jaishankar said the personal meeting offered both sides “special value” in exchanging perspectives, identifying common interests and forging closer cooperation. He referenced recent “terrorist attacks” — in Pahalgam, Kunar and Nangarhar — as occasions when the two countries had communicated, but noted that in‑person interaction carries greater weight.

“As a contiguous neighbor and a well‑wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress,” Jaishankar said. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to its longtime partnership in Afghanistan, pointing to maintenance of completed projects, completion of promised ones, and new development priorities to be discussed by the two sides.

He pledged support in health infrastructure: a gift of 20 ambulances (five to be handed over personally), MRI and CT scan machines for hospitals, vaccines for immunization, and cancer medicines. He said India also had supplied drug rehabilitation supplies through the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime and was open to more support.

Regarding humanitarian relief, Jaishankar noted that India’s relief materials reached earthquake-stricken areas within hours last month, and that it would contribute to reconstruction of affected residences. He added that India would deliver food assistance to Kabul that day.

He expressed concern about Afghan refugees forcibly repatriated, saying India would help build residences for them and continue material aid to help rebuild their lives. He also referenced cooperation on water management, interest from Afghan side in mining exploration, and a shared goal to boost trade and commerce.

Jaishankar noted expanded bilateral connectivity: additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi, expanded opportunities for Afghan students to study in Indian universities, and deeper support for cricket development. He also said a new visa module rolled out in April 2025 allowed more visas in medical, business and student categories.

“However, these [development] goals are endangered by the shared threat of cross‑border terrorism that both our nations face,” he said, adding India appreciated Afghanistan’s sensitivity to New Delhi’s security concerns, citing solidarity following the Balgam terror attack.

“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. 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,” he said.

The Indian foreign minister also announced India’s commitment for six new projects in the health sector.

India closed its embassy and consulates in Afghanistan in August 2021 following the Taliban’s return to power, citing security concerns and the lack of an internationally recognized government in Kabul. In June 2022, India reestablished a limited diplomatic presence by deploying a technical team to its mission in Kabul. That team was tasked primarily with coordinating humanitarian assistance and maintaining a minimal diplomatic channel.

Although New Delhi has not formally recognized the Taliban administration, it has engaged in direct talks with Taliban officials, citing the need to safeguard its interests and ensure continued aid delivery. India has long been a significant development partner for Afghanistan, funding infrastructure, education and health projects over the past two decades.

Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi, formerly run by diplomats from the previous government, ceased operations in 2023, stating that the mission could no longer function effectively without support from the Indian government. The Taliban have since expressed interest in assuming control of the embassy in India, a move that remains unresolved.

The upgrade of India’s technical mission to full embassy status signals a deepening of engagement with the Taliban, even in the absence of formal recognition. According to analysts, it also reflects India’s strategic interest in maintaining influence and supporting stability in the region through development and diplomatic ties.