India on Friday announced the upgrading of its Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of the Embassy of India, signalling a deepening of ties with Afghanistan. The announcement was made by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during bilateral talks with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who is on a week-long visit to New Delhi—the first high-level delegation from Kabul since the Taliban assumed power in August 2021.
“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan,” Jaishankar said, welcoming Muttaqi and his delegation at Hyderabad House. He described the upgrade as a step to further strengthen bilateral relations and highlighted India’s enduring friendship with Afghanistan.
During the talks, Jaishankar unveiled a series of humanitarian and development initiatives. These include six new development projects, details of which will be shared after the conclusion of discussions. India also pledged 20 ambulances—with five handed over to Muttaqi personally—alongside MRI and CT scan machines for Afghan hospitals, vaccines for immunisation, cancer medicines, and drug rehabilitation materials supplied through UNODC.
Highlighting India’s support during crises, Jaishankar noted that the country had assisted Afghanistan during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the aftermath of the Kunar and Nangarhar earthquakes, and following the Pahalgam terror attack, appreciating Afghanistan’s solidarity on India’s security concerns.
Addressing cross-border terrorism, Jaishankar stressed that “we must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations” to safeguard growth and prosperity in both countries. India also reiterated its ongoing humanitarian support, including continued food assistance, earthquake relief, reconstruction of homes, and aid for forcibly repatriated Afghan refugees.
Muttaqi’s visit, from 9-16 October, has been facilitated by a temporary exemption on international travel restrictions approved by the UN Security Council. Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry, said the visit is expected to focus on expanding diplomatic, development, and economic cooperation between the two nations. |
