NEW DELHI — In a major diplomatic development, India has announced plans to reopen its embassy in Kabul, four years after shutting it down following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. The move signals a cautious expansion of ties with Afghanistan’s current rulers.
Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar made the announcement during talks with Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking the first visit by a Taliban official to India since 2021.
India had maintained a limited technical mission in Kabul to support trade and humanitarian efforts, but this will now be upgraded to a full embassy. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty and regional stability.
Currently, around a dozen countries — including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey — operate embassies in Kabul. Russia remains the only nation to formally recognize the Taliban government.
Muttaqi’s six-day visit, enabled by a temporary UN travel ban exemption, aims to strengthen political and economic ties. Talks are expected to cover trade, development, and regional cooperation.
Despite historical ties, India has not recognized the Taliban regime, and Western diplomats cite restrictions on women’s rights as a key barrier to broader international acceptance.
This development reflects shifting regional dynamics as countries reassess engagement strategies with Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
