New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) Signalling the resumption of normal diplomatic ties with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, India today announced the upgradation of its technical mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India, two years after the Afghan Taliban overran Kabul.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in his address to visiting Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, conveyed India’s decision on upgradation of the Indian technical mission to full embassy status today.
In his address, EAM Jaishankar said that the visit of the Afghan Taliban FM “marks an important step” in the advancement of India’s ties with Kabul and is an affirmation of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
He said the two ministers have spoken to each other, once after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April this year, and the second time, after the Kunar and Nangarhar earthquake in September.
“However, a meeting between us in person has a special value in allowing us to exchange perspectives, identify common interests and forge closer cooperation.”
He said as a contiguous neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in Afghanistan’s development and progress.
“Today, I reaffirm that our longstanding partnership that has seen so many Indian projects in Afghanistan stands renewed,” he said. He said the two sides can discuss the maintenance and repairs of finished projects as well as steps to complete others to which India has already committed. The two sides can also discuss other development priorities of Afghanistan.
As part of India’s support for the health security of Afghanistan, the EAM today said that six new projects would be announced. India is to also gift 20 ambulances as a gesture of good will, with five of them to be handed over by him as a symbolic step. India will also provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals and deliver vaccines for immunization and cancer medicines. He said that India has also supplied drug rehabilitation materials through UNODC and is open to doing more.
He pointed out that as a first responder, Indian relief materials were delivered to the earthquake sites within hours of the disaster in September. India also offered to contribute for the reconstruction of residences in the affected areas.
India has also been a significant provider of food assistance to the Afghan people, he said, in reference to the 500,000 tonnes of wheat sent by India earlier, and added that New Delhi is delivering a further consignment in Kabul today.
Pointing to the forcible repatriation of thousands of Afghan refugees, mostly by Pakistan and Iran, the EAM termed it a matter of deep concern. “Their dignity and livelihood is important. India agrees to help construct residences for them and continue providing material aid to rebuild their lives,” the EAM said.
On water management, he said that India is ready to collaborate on the sustainable management of its water resources.
“Your invitation to Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan is also deeply appreciated. This can be discussed further,” he added.
On trade, he said the two sides have a shared interest in boosting trade and commerce, and added that he is glad to note the commencement of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi.
He said that India will expand the avenues for Afghan students to pursue studies at Indian universities. “Sports is another longstanding connection. The emergence of Afghan cricket talent has been truly impressive. India is glad to deepen its support for Afghan cricket.”
He said that India has introduced a new visa module for Afghan people in April 2025, and as a result New Delhi is now issuing greater number of visas, including in medical, business and student categories.
Raising the issue of terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism, he said while the two nations have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity, it is endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism that both our nations face, in reference to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terror group.
“We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We appreciate your sensitivity towards India’s security concerns. Your solidarity with us in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack was noteworthy,” the EAM said.
“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan. Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development, as well as regional stability and resilience. To enhance that, I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India.”
