India to reopen its Embassy in Afghanistan

Announcement by India’s External Affairs Minister following meeting with Taliban’s Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Maulvi (Islamic religious leader) Amir Khan Muttaqi

New Delhi – India will reopen its embassy in Afghanistan, announced India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on 10^th October during a bilateral meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Taliban Government. Jaishankar clarified that India’s ‘Technical Mission’ in Kabul will now be converted into a full-fledged embassy.

1. With India now having an official embassy in Kabul, the mission will function entirely as an embassy — handling visa services, maintaining relations with the Afghan Government, assisting Indian nationals, and related responsibilities.

2. Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on 9^thOctober for a week-long visit.

3. This marks the first ministerial-level visit by a Taliban leader to India since the group seized power in Afghanistan on 15^thAugust 2021.