In a significant diplomatic move, India has announced the upgrade of its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, signaling a deepening engagement with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar made the announcement on Friday following a meeting with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in New Delhi. This marks the first high-level diplomatic interaction since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, ending two decades of U.S. military presence in the region. Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, development, and stability, pledging support in trade, health, and education sectors. He stated that closer cooperation between the two nations would foster regional resilience and stability. Muttaqi, who arrived in India after receiving a temporary travel exemption from U.N. sanctions, expressed Kabul’s desire for strong relations with India. His visit follows participation in an international meeting on Afghanistan in Russia, which included representatives from China, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations. India’s pragmatic outreach to the Taliban reflects a strategic recalibration aimed at countering regional rivals, particularly Pakistan and China, both of whom have significant influence in Afghanistan. Experts suggest that India’s engagement is driven by the need to avoid strategic isolation and to establish a foothold in a region where geopolitical rivalries are intensifying. Despite historical tensions and concerns over the Taliban’s governance, India has maintained steady contact with the group, focusing on humanitarian aid and development support. The move underscores India’s evolving foreign policy priorities and its bid to strengthen its position as a regional power.
India to upgrade Kabul mission to full embassy, signaling deeper ties with Taliban
