India to Reopen Embassy in Kabul After Four Years, Strengthening Ties with Afghanistan
Oct 10, 2025
India has announced plans to reopen its embassy in Kabul, marking a major step toward re-establishing diplomatic ties with Afghanistan under the Taliban-led government. The announcement was made by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during his meeting with Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on Friday.
India Reaffirms Commitment to Afghanistan’s Sovereignty
Speaking at the meeting, Jaishankar emphasized that India remains fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. He stated that “closer cooperation between our nations will contribute to Afghanistan’s national development, regional stability, and resilience.”
Jaishankar also confirmed that India’s existing technical mission in Kabul—which has been operating since 2022 to handle trade and humanitarian coordination—will soon be upgraded to a full embassy, although he did not specify a timeline.
Background: India’s Diplomatic Re-engagement
India had shut down its embassy in Kabul in 2021 following the Taliban’s return to power after the withdrawal of U.S.-led NATO forces. However, in 2022, New Delhi quietly reopened a small mission to facilitate humanitarian assistance, medical aid, and trade relations.
Currently, about a dozen countries—including Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran, and Türkiye—operate embassies in Kabul. Among them, Russia remains the only nation to have formally recognized the Taliban administration.
Muttaqi’s Visit Marks Diplomatic Breakthrough
Muttaqi’s visit to India is his first since 2021, signaling a renewed push by the Taliban to strengthen engagement with regional powers. The six-day trip aims to explore economic cooperation, trade, and political dialogue between the two nations.
According to the Afghan Foreign Ministry, talks are expected to focus on bilateral trade, regional security, and humanitarian support. Muttaqi’s visit was made possible after the UN Security Council temporarily lifted his travel ban to allow diplomatic engagements abroad.
Taliban Seeks Wider Global Engagement
Analysts believe this visit reflects the Taliban’s broader efforts to gain economic partnerships and eventual diplomatic recognition, particularly from neighboring countries. However, many Western nations remain reluctant to extend formal recognition due to the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights and governance issues.
India’s decision to restore its diplomatic presence in Kabul is seen as both a strategic and humanitarian move, reaffirming its long-standing relationship with the Afghan people while carefully balancing regional dynamics.
