NEW DELHI: India on Friday announced plans to reopen its embassy in Kabul, marking a significant step in its engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban administration, which remains diplomatically isolated since taking power in 2021.
The decision was announced during talks in New Delhi between Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who is on a six-day visit to India after receiving a temporary exemption from a UN travel ban. It is the first visit to India by a Taliban official since the group’s takeover.
India had shut down its embassy in Kabul after the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces from Afghanistan in 2021. However, a limited technical mission was established in 2022 to facilitate trade, medical assistance, and humanitarian operations.
At present, nearly a dozen countries — including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan and Turkey — maintain diplomatic missions in Kabul. Russia is the only state that has formally recognised the Taliban government, whose leadership remains under UN sanctions, including travel and asset restrictions.
Diplomatic Calculations amid Regional Tensions
Analysts say India’s move reflects a pragmatic recalibration of policy amid tensions with neighbouring Pakistan and growing Chinese influence in Afghanistan.
Afghan Taliban FM Amir Muttaqi set for first India visit since 2021 takeover
“Engagement does not mean endorsement,” said Harsh Pant, head of foreign policy studies at the Observer Research Foundation. “India remains uncomfortable with the Taliban’s record on minority and gender rights, but there’s an element of realism in New Delhi’s approach. This visit signals the start of a new phase in India-Afghanistan ties under Taliban rule.”
While New Delhi has not formally recognised the Taliban administration, the decision to upgrade its mission indicates a willingness to engage on security and economic issues.
Taliban Pledges Non-Interference
Addressing the meeting in New Delhi, Muttaqi said Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used for terrorism against other nations.
“We hope that Afghanistan and India, on an official level and in different areas, increase their engagement,” he said, emphasising the need for stronger bilateral cooperation.
In response, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s “sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence,” saying that enhanced cooperation would promote national development and regional stability.
He confirmed that India’s technical mission in Kabul would be upgraded to a full embassy, though no timeline was provided.
Muttaqi’s visit is seen as part of the Taliban’s broader effort to expand engagement with regional powers as it seeks economic partnerships and eventual diplomatic recognition. Western countries have maintained that recognition remains contingent on the Taliban easing restrictions on women and girls.