India has officially reopened its embassy in Kabul, reinstating a full-fledged diplomatic mission nearly four years after it was shut down following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
The move marks a significant upgrade from the limited Technical Mission that had been operating in the Afghan capital since mid-2022.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the decision as part of New Delhi’s ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and expand its developmental and humanitarian engagement in Afghanistan.
“Following the recent visit of the Afghan Foreign Minister to India, the Government has decided to restore the status of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to that of the Embassy of India in Afghanistan with immediate effect,” the MEA said.
The ministry added that the move reflects India’s commitment to “deepening its partnership with Afghanistan across areas of mutual interest” and to “enhancing its contribution towards the country’s development, humanitarian support, and institutional capacity building.”
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the transition from the technical mission to a full embassy would be completed “within the next few days.”
The announcement comes days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who was in New Delhi for a six-day official visit.
During the meeting, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, stability, and independence, saying, “India remains committed to working closely with the Afghan people. Upgrading our technical mission to an embassy reflects that commitment.”
Muttaqi welcomed the decision, telling reporters that Kabul would soon dispatch its diplomats to New Delhi as part of a gradual normalization process. “When we return, we will select representatives to send to India,” he said.
India had closed its embassy in Kabul in August 2021 after the Taliban’s return to power following the withdrawal of US-led NATO troops.
In June 2022, New Delhi reopened a limited technical office to coordinate humanitarian efforts, including food aid, healthcare assistance, and educational programs.
Analysts say the latest move signals India’s cautious re-engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, balancing diplomatic pragmatism with its broader regional and security interests.
