In a significant diplomatic move that signals a new chapter in its Afghanistan policy, India has formally elevated its diplomatic presence in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, accompanied by a comprehensive package of humanitarian aid, development projects, and enhanced connectivity.
The landmark announcement was made by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, during a high-level meeting in New Delhi with Afghanistan’s Interim Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, on Friday. This visit, the first by a senior Taliban-appointed leader since the group’s takeover in 2021, marks a pivotal step in re-calibrating the bilateral relationship.
A Strategic Elevation and a Warm Welcome
“I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India,” Dr. Jaishankar declared in the presence of Minister Muttaqi and his delegation. The Indian delegation included Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Joint Secretary for Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, Anand Prakash, underscoring the importance New Delhi attached to the talks.
Addressing Muttaqi as “Excellency,” Dr. Jaishankar framed the visit as a crucial moment for bilateral ties. “Your visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan,” he stated, signaling India’s intent to engage pragmatically with the current administration in Kabul.
A Multi-Faceted Partnership: From Aid to Infrastructure
The upgraded diplomatic mission will serve as the cornerstone for a broadened engagement strategy. The key announcements include:
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Humanitarian and Medical Support: India will dispatch a new consignment of food supplies and has pledged to equip Afghan hospitals with advanced MRI and CT scan machines. A gift of 20 ambulances was announced, with Dr. Jaishankar symbolically handing over the keys to five immediately. India will also supply essential vaccines for immunization and cancer treatment and continue its partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to provide drug rehabilitation materials.
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Infrastructure and Economic Development: Dr. Jaishankar detailed India’s readiness to launch six new infrastructural projects, pending further discussions. In a significant economic overture, he welcomed Afghan invitations for Indian business participation in Afghanistan’s vast mining sector, stating, “We have a shared interest in boosting trade and commerce.”
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Enhanced Connectivity: To facilitate greater people-to-people contact and trade, the Minister announced the introduction of additional direct flights between Kabul and New Delhi.
Addressing Regional Concerns and Building Futures
The Indian Minister also addressed sensitive regional issues. Without explicitly naming Pakistan, he expressed deep concern over the plight of Afghan nationals who have been forcibly repatriated. “Their dignity and livelihood is important. India agrees to help construct residences for them and continue providing material aid to rebuild their lives,” he affirmed.
Looking to the future, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s long-term development:
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Education & Sports: “Our educational and capacity building programmes have long nurtured the Afghan youth. We will expand avenues for Afghan students to pursue studies at Indian universities,” he said. He also singled out cricket, a shared passion, noting, “The emergence of Afghanistan’s cricket talent has been truly impressive. India is glad to deepen its support for Afghanistan cricket.”
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Project Management: In a notable step, India has agreed to enter talks with Afghan authorities on maintaining its completed projects in the country, resuming unfinished ventures, and advancing cooperation on water resources management.
A New Chapter of Pragmatic Engagement
The elevation of the Kabul mission from a “technical team” to a full embassy, coupled with the wide-ranging aid and development package, represents a calculated shift in India’s approach. It moves from a stance of cautious hesitation to one of active, pragmatic engagement, aiming to protect its substantial historical investments and counterbalance rival influences, all while addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Afghan people.
Sources familiar with the developments indicate that an upcoming delegation of senior Afghan officials will soon visit India to deepen these engagements, building on the foundation laid by Foreign Minister Muttaqi’s historic visit.
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