India upgrades Mission in Kabul to full Embassy, expands cooperation with Afghanistan

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that MEA has upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged Embassy of India.

"I am pleased to announce the upgrading of India's technical mission in Kabul to the status of India's Embassy in Kabul, " Jaishankar said, addressing a press conference post the meet with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi who is currently on a historic India tour.

MEA Jaishankar, during his meeting with the Afghan minister in New Delhi, said the upgrade reflects India’s commitment to Kabul. The minister also announced plans for additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi.


"We welcome you and your delegation to India. This visit marks a step in advancing our ties. We had opportunities to speak with each other during the Pahalgam attack and earthquakes in Afghanistan. Meeting in person has special value in changing perspectives and sharing interests. As a contiguous neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress," he said.

India, in a statement of its diplomatic and humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan, handed over 20 ambulances among other medical equipment to the Aghan Taliban FM.

"Also handed over 5 Ambulances to FM Muttaqi. This is part of the larger gift of 20 ambulances, and other medical equipment reflecting our long standing support for Afghan people," said EAM Jaishankar on X.


Further, the two sides discussed the threat of cross-border terrorism, ongoingdevelopment projects, including India’s agreement to help construct residential facilities and supply building materials for the same.

"We have a common commitment to growth and prosperity; however, these are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism that both our nations face. We must coordinate our efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We appreciate your sensitivity towards India's security concerns in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Independence of the Afghan people," Jaishankar added.

Moreover, on natural resource management, Jaishankar said India is ready to work closely with Afghanistan on the sustainable management of water resources.

Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi was closed in 2023, though its consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad continue to provide limited consular services.

On Thursday, Muttaqi arrived in India, marking the first visit by a senior Taliban official since the group regained control of Kabul in 2021 after the withdrawal of US-led forces.

According to an ET Muttaqi's agenda also holds proposals to visits to Agra, Mumbai, and Hyderabad besides a meeting with an Indian business chamber to explore opportunities of trade and investment. The trips to Agra, Mumbai and Hyderabad are yet to be finalised. Afghanistan has consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Muttaqi’s trip follows his earlier meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Dubai in January this year, signalling a gradual resumption of high-level contact between the two sides.