Jaishankar Announces Upgrade of Kabul Mission to Embassy
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India plans to upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to the status of a full-fledged embassy. This marks a significant diplomatic shift after India had closed its embassy in Afghanistan in 2021, following the Taliban’s takeover and the withdrawal of U.S.-led NATO forces.
India had reopened a limited “technical mission” in Kabul in mid-2022 to coordinate humanitarian and development assistance. Jaishankar stated that the move reflects India’s evolving engagement with Afghanistan and its commitment to supporting the Afghan people.
However, the decision does not signal formal recognition of the Taliban regime, he clarified. The upgraded diplomatic presence will focus on development projects, humanitarian aid, and maintaining regional security cooperation.
The announcement indicates a cautious yet strategic recalibration of India’s policy toward Afghanistan, amid shifting geopolitical realities and regional stability concerns.
