Topic: Afghan embassy

The political engagement between India and the Taliban regime continues apace, even as Kabul and Islamabad’s relationship continues to fray. For nearly two weeks the Taliban and Pakistan have engaged in military operations leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured.

The move, falling short of formal recognition of Taliban govt, comes after meeting between Jaishankar & Afghan counterpart Muttaqi, where India also proposed 6 developmental projects.

Zakia Wardak cites personal attacks & defamation as reasons for her resignation. Afghan embassy in Delhi was not ‘aware’ of nor ‘involved’ in alleged smuggling incident, it is learnt.

With the ambassador in UK for past few months, Consuls General Zakia Wardak and Sayed Mohammad Ibrahimkhil have assumed leadership of Afghan embassy following meetings with MEA.

This comes day after consul generals Zakia Wardak & Sayed Mohammad Ibrahimkhil 'assumed leadership' of embassy soon after it announced 'permanent closure'.

Saga on control over embassy of Afghanistan continues. After a statement from the embassy announcing its closure, 2 remaining consul generals in India take up joint-leadership of embassy.

The embassy said Friday it had no diplomats from the Afghan republic remaining in India and asked the MEA to assume responsibility of its properties and bank accounts.

According to Farid Mamundzay, dual purpose of this is to 'appease domestic stakeholders and meet Taliban's demands for reciprocal cooperation'. MEA says embassy functional 'as usual'.

India govt won't close embassy & both consulates will stay functional, they say in statement, add Ambassador Farid Mamundzai's decisions 'appear motivated by personal, internal matters'.

It would be in the best interest of New Delhi and Kabul to maintain a minimal staff presence in their embassies and allow bilateral trade.