India to Reopen Embassy in Afghanistan

India has announced plans to reopen its embassy in Kabul, marking a significant shift in its diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in 2021.

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar announced on Friday during a bilateral meeting with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in New Delhi. Jaishankar confirmed that India’s Technical Mission in Kabul will now be upgraded to a full-fledged embassy.

The move comes during Muttaqi’s landmark six-day visit to India, the first by a senior Taliban leader since the group’s return to power, following UN approval for temporary travel ban exemptions.

Although New Delhi still does not formally recognize the Taliban government, the reopening reflects India’s renewed focus on regional stability and its commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty and development.

India initially reopened a limited mission in 2022 to coordinate humanitarian aid, medical support, and trade efforts.

Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s stance, saying that stronger cooperation with Afghanistan would contribute to both national development and broader regional stability.

For his part, Muttaqi praised India as a “close friend,” highlighting the deep historical ties between the two nations and expressing Kabul’s willingness to build relations based on mutual respect. He also acknowledged India’s rapid humanitarian response following the devastating August earthquake in Afghanistan.

The diplomatic thaw comes amid worsening tensions between the Taliban government and Pakistan, India’s traditional regional rival.