New Delhi: In a move falling short of formal recognition of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, India Friday upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to an “embassy”, while highlighting potential areas of cooperation, including in the mining sector. The announcement came during a meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, where India also proposed six new developmental projects.
During the meeting, Jaishankar welcomed efforts by the Taliban to open its mining sector to Indian companies. Afghanistan is a resource-rich country, which has incentivised nations like China to deepen their diplomatic engagement with the Taliban. A Chinese firm signed a $450 million deal in 2023 to develop oil reserves in Northern Afghanistan. Earlier this year, China pushed for Kabul to join the Belt and Road Initiative, while promising more investments in the Central Asian 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 the Embassy of India,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks during the bilateral meeting with Muttaqi here.
The EAM added: “We are now ready to commit to six new projects, whose details can be announced after the conclusion of our talks. A gift of 20 ambulances is another gesture of goodwill, and I would like to hand over five of them to you personally as a symbolic step. India will also provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals and deliver vaccines for immunisation and cancer medicines.”
India has not formally recognised the Taliban regime and has maintained a technical mission in Kabul since its return to power in August 2021. Upgrading its mission status in Kabul does not mean formal recognition of the Taliban regime. However, it signals India’s willingness to deepen engagement with the regime in Kabul.
China was the first country to appoint an ambassador to Kabul after the Taliban takeover and, in January 2024, accepted the credentials of a diplomat appointed by the regime. However, Russia was the first country to formally recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan earlier this year. China’s outreach with Afghanistan saw Kabul indicate its interest to see the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor extended to the Central Asian nation.
Muttaqi is the first leader from the Taliban to visit India since 2021. The Taliban official is in India from 9 to 15 October and is set to visit Deoband and Agra as well. The opening of ties between New Delhi and Kabul began earlier this year after Pakistan killed 46 Afghan civilians in air strikes in December 2024.
India sought and gained a waiver from the United Nations Security Council for Muttaqi’s visit. The Taliban leader is internationally sanctioned under Resolution 1988 (2011) and therefore faces a global travel ban. An earlier attempt by India to secure a waiver for Muttaqi’s travel last month was blocked in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in January, followed by a call between Jaishankar and the Taliban foreign minister days after Operation Sindoor in May. The Taliban had condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead.
“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,” said Jaishankar Friday.
Before the Taliban’s return to power, India had invested almost $3 billion in development projects across Afghanistan. Jaishankar Friday remarked that India is open to “discuss the maintenance and repairs of finished projects, as well as steps to complete others to which we have already committed.”
India has maintained a strong humanitarian presence in the Central Asian nation, especially by providing food grains and other necessities, including medicines. In August, India was one of the first responders to an earthquake that struck Afghanistan. Jaishankar Friday announced India’s willingness to contribute towards the reconstruction of houses in the earthquake-hit areas.
The EAM also raised the plight of Afghans who have been forcibly repatriated to Afghanistan from Pakistan over the past year. While Jaishankar did not mention Islamabad by name, the Pakistani government has been pushing back Afghan refugees to the Central Asian nation.
“The plight of forcibly repatriated Afghan refugees is a matter of deep concern. Their dignity and livelihood are important. India agrees to help construct residences for them and continue providing material aid to rebuild their lives,” said Jaishankar.
(Edited by Shashank Kishan)