India has taken a major diplomatic step by upgrading its ‘technical mission’ in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on Friday during talks with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and his delegation.
“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan… 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 during his opening remarks.
Opening remarks at my meeting with Afghan FM Muttaqi, in New Delhi.
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Strengthening bilateral ties and development support
Earlier, Jaishankar welcomed Muttaqi and his delegation at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, reaffirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan. He unveiled a series of development and humanitarian initiatives, including six new development projects, details of which will be announced after the talks.
He added, “Your visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan.” He also highlighted India’s assistance following the Pahalgam terror attack and the recent earthquakes in Kunar and Nangarhar.
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Healthcare and humanitarian aid initiatives
“India has long extended support for the health security of Afghanistan, including during the Covid pandemic. 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 handover 5 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. We have also supplied drug rehabilitation materials through UNODC and are open to doing more,” Jaishankar said.
He further noted continued food assistance, with a new consignment arriving in Kabul, and emphasised support for earthquake-hit areas and Afghan refugees forcibly repatriated.
Shared commitment against terrorism and regional stability
Speaking about cross-border terrorism, Jaishankar underlined, “We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” He praised Afghanistan’s sensitivity towards India’s security concerns and their solidarity after the Pahalgam attack.
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Economic and educational collaboration
Jaishankar expressed India’s interest in boosting trade and commerce and welcomed the commencement of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi. “Our educational and capacity building programmes have long nurtured the Afghan youth. We will expand avenues for Afghan students to pursue studies at Indian universities. Sports is another longstanding connection. The emergence of Afghan cricket talent has been truly impressive. India is glad to deepen its support for Afghan cricket,” he said.
He also highlighted opportunities for sustainable water management, mining collaboration, and other development priorities, emphasising India’s role as a committed partner in Afghanistan’s growth and prosperity.
