Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 10: In a major diplomatic development, India has fully restored its diplomatic relations with Afghanistan and upgraded its Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of an Embassy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced on Friday, alongside his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi.
"India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. I am pleased to announce the upgrading of India's Technical Mission to the status of an Embassy," Jaishankar said, reaffirming New Delhi’s long-standing ties with Kabul.
The minister highlighted India’s “deep interest in Afghanistan’s development and progress”, noting several ongoing India-backed projects and announcing six new development initiatives. He also extended continued support to Afghanistan’s healthcare sector, offering 20 ambulances, high-tech medical equipment, vaccines, and cancer medicines as a gesture of goodwill.
India had scaled down its diplomatic presence in Kabul in 2021 amid the Taliban takeover and intense fighting, later deploying a technical team after assurances of security. The latest move signals a new chapter in bilateral relations, underscored by mutual commitments to stability and cooperation.
Muttaqi, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for India’s sustained support, recalling New Delhi’s swift assistance after the devastating August 31 earthquake, which killed over 2,000 people and destroyed more than 5,000 homes.
In a significant statement, the Afghan minister assured, “We will not allow any group to use our territory against others.” His remarks come amid escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, following Islamabad’s claims of cross-border militancy.
The Taliban government’s earlier condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, carried out by a Pakistan-based outfit, was seen as a rare stance aligning with India’s anti-terrorism position.
Muttaqi concluded, “I am happy to be in Delhi. This visit will increase the understanding between the two countries. India and Afghanistan should enhance their engagements and cooperation.”