India had withdrawn its diplomatic staff from its embassy in Kabul after the Taliban took over the country’s regime in August 2021. The following year in June, India re-established its diplomatic presence by deploying a “technical team” to the Afghan capital
Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a meeting with his Afghani counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi, in New Delhi. Pic/PTI
In a significant diplomatic development, India on Friday announced the upgrading of its ‘technical mission’ in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy.
The announcement was made by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during wide-ranging discussions with visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and his delegation.
India had withdrawn its diplomatic staff from its embassy in Kabul after the Taliban took over the country’s regime in August 2021. The following year in June, India re-established its diplomatic presence by deploying a “technical team” to the Afghan capital.
Welcoming Muttaqi at Hyderabad House on Friday, Jaishankar said, “Your visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan.”
“As a contiguous neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress,” the External Affairs Minister added.
Jaishankar also announced that India’s long-standing development partnership with Afghanistan, which has resulted in numerous Indian-assisted projects across the country, is now being renewed. Further, he unveiled plans for a series of development and humanitarian initiatives, including a commitment to six new projects, the details of which would be shared following the conclusion of talks.
The External Affairs Minister appreciated the Taliban administration’s responsiveness to India’s security concerns, noting their expression of solidarity after the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
“We appreciate your sensitivity towards India's security concerns. Your solidarity with us in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack was noteworthy,” he said.
He also underscored the need for joint efforts in combating terrorism, saying, “India and Afghanistan have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity. However, these are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism that both our nations face. We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Muttaqi, in his remarks, called India an important regional partner, acknowledging New Delhi’s consistent support for the Afghan people.
“India is an important country of the region and it has always stood by Afghan people and has assisted them in many areas,” he said.
Jaishankar reiterated India’s unwavering support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and independence.
“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan... 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 stated.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
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