India has upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, marking a significant step in its diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan. The move reportedly came after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with a senior Taliban minister, signaling New Delhi’s intent to re-establish a stronger presence in the war-torn nation.
“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,” Jaishankar said with his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi by his side.
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#WATCH | During meeting with Afghan FM Muttaqi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, “I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India…” “India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial… pic.twitter.com/OwnzEDSfgU — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2025
Highlighting cross-border terrorism as a common challenge to the development and prosperity of both India and Afghanistan, Jaishankar emphasized, “We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
“We have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity. However, these are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism that both our nations face. 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,” he said.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a week-long visit to India. Scheduled from October 9 to 16, this marks the first high-level delegation from Kabul to New Delhi since the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in August 2021.
Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry, told Tolo News that the visit aims to “expand relations between Kabul and New Delhi.â€
The United Nations Security Council has granted a temporary exemption from international travel restrictions, allowing Muttaqi to remain in India for the duration of his week-long stay.
