India announced on Friday that it is upgrading its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar praised the Taliban leadership for showing sensitivity to India’s security concerns during his talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
India had closed its embassy in Kabul after the Taliban took control in August 2021 but returned in June 2022 with a technical team to maintain diplomatic ties. Jaishankar described the recent visit as an important step to strengthen the friendship between India and Afghanistan. He emphasized India’s deep interest in Afghanistan’s progress as a neighboring country.
The minister also reaffirmed India’s commitment to ongoing development projects in Afghanistan. Both countries share concerns about cross-border terrorism, and Jaishankar called for cooperation to fight terrorism in all its forms. He appreciated the Taliban’s support following the Pahalgam terrorist attack as a sign of goodwill.
In response, Muttaqi said India is a key regional partner that has consistently supported Afghanistan and helped its people across several sectors. This upgrade signals a renewed phase in India-Afghanistan relations, focusing on development, security, and close cooperation.
