Jaishankar Announces Reopening Kabul Embassy And Launching Direct Flights

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced on Friday that India's Technical Mission in Kabul will be upgraded to the status of the Embassy of India. This development was shared during a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who is visiting New Delhi from October 9-16. This visit marks the first high-level delegation from Kabul to India since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021.

During their discussions, Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Kabul's invitation to Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan. He stated, "We have a shared interest in boosting trade and commerce. I am glad to note the commencement of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi." This move is seen as a step towards enhancing bilateral trade and economic ties.

India-Afghanistan Relations

New Delhi has maintained consistent contact with the Taliban, establishing a technical mission in Kabul in 2022, focusing on humanitarian aid and development efforts. Afghan FM Muttaqi acknowledged India's role as a "close friend," especially highlighting India's swift response during recent earthquakes in Afghanistan. He emphasized Afghanistan's desire for relations based on mutual respect, trade, and people-to-people connections.

Muttaqi also mentioned that Afghanistan is ready to create a consultative mechanism to strengthen bilateral relations further. He added, "We will not allow any group to use our territory against others." His visit aims to increase understanding between the two countries and enhance engagements and exchanges.

Diplomatic Engagements

The United Nations Security Council granted Muttaqi a temporary exemption from international travel restrictions, allowing him to visit India starting October 9. His earlier planned visit was postponed due to visa waiver issues. Muttaqi's current trip follows his participation in a multilateral meeting on Afghanistan held in Russia, attended by representatives from China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

This visit underscores the Taliban administration's ongoing push for international recognition while highlighting India's strategic recalibration in the region. By engaging directly with the Taliban-led administration, India aims to assert its influence in Afghanistan and counter regional rivals like Pakistan and China.

Humanitarian Efforts

India has been home to tens of thousands of Afghans for years, including students and entrepreneurs who fled after the Taliban takeover. Although Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi closed permanently in November 2023, its consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad remain operational with limited services.

Despite not formally recognising the Taliban government, India continues diplomatic exchanges and humanitarian assistance following recent earthquakes in Afghanistan. MEA spokesperson Jaiswal confirmed ongoing engagement with the interim government during a media briefing on October 3.

Previously, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken with Muttaqi over the phone in May. Additionally, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met him earlier this year in Dubai. These interactions reflect India's commitment to maintaining dialogue with Afghanistan amidst changing geopolitical dynamics.