India Reopens Embassy in Afghanistan, Eyes Two Neighbors
India announced the reopening of its embassy in Kabul, enhancing relations with the Afghan government. The embassy had been closed after the Taliban regained power in 2021. Meanwhile, an Afghan minister confirmed that Afghanistan will send diplomats to New Delhi.
After the withdrawal of NATO forces led by the United States from Afghanistan, India closed its embassy in Kabul, but established a small mission in 2022 to promote trade, medical support, and humanitarian aid.
About 12 countries have embassies in Kabul, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. However, Russia is the only country that formally recognizes the Afghan government, whose ministers are under UN sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes.
Driven by Tensions
India announced this news during talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaki in New Delhi. Mutaki is on a six-day visit after receiving a temporary exemption from the travel ban.
This is the first visit to India by Taliban leaders since 2021. Historically, India and Afghanistan have had friendly relations, but New Delhi has not yet recognized the Afghan government.
Mutaki told journalists today: "India will elevate its technical team in Kabul to an embassy, and our diplomats will also come here." He added that the goal is for the two countries to gradually restore "normal conditions."
Hash Pant, head of the foreign policy department at the Observer Research Foundation, said that India and the Taliban are re-evaluating their relationship due to tensions with Pakistan and concerns in New Delhi about Chinese influence in Afghanistan.
Analysts say Mutaki's visit aims to develop relations with New Delhi and highlights the Taliban's efforts to expand contacts with regional powers in hopes of eventually establishing economic ties and gaining diplomatic recognition.
"A Platform"
Mutaki mentioned ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in his opening remarks today and said the Afghan government would not allow anyone to use Afghan territory to attack other countries.
He added, "We hope Afghanistan and India can increase exchanges at the official level and in different fields."
In reference to today's agreement, Sujay Ghosh said, "India is fully committed to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence."
He added, "Strengthening our cooperation helps your country's development and contributes to regional stability and resilience." He noted that India's "technical mission" in Kabul is being upgraded to an embassy. Ghosh did not mention a timeline for this change.
Sources: Reuters
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845679931151372/
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