TL;DR:
- On October 21, 2025, India upgraded its Kabul Technical Mission to a full embassy, signaling a deepening engagement with Afghanistan.
- The move follows a visit by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India and aims to boost development aid, humanitarian support, and capacity-building.
- While strengthening ties, India avoids formal recognition of the Taliban government.
Key Points:
- Restoration of Embassy: India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on October 21, 2025, that the Technical Mission in Kabul has been upgraded to a full embassy, effective immediately.
- Purpose and Focus: The upgraded embassy will focus on enhancing bilateral relations, including development partnerships, humanitarian aid, and capacity-building efforts in Afghanistan.
- Context of the Move: India closed its embassy in Kabul in August 2021 after the Taliban's takeover but re-established a limited mission in June 2022 to support humanitarian work without recognizing the Taliban.
- Leadership of New Embassy: The embassy will be led by a Charge d’affaires-level diplomat, reflecting a more substantial presence while avoiding formal recognition of the Taliban.
- Afghan Assurances: Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during his visit to India in October 2025, assured that Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used against Indian interests, particularly from groups like Daesh (ISIS).
- Implications: This decision reflects India’s strategic approach to balancing humanitarian assistance with geopolitical interests, without recognizing the Taliban regime. It follows a broader trend of cautious diplomatic engagement by countries like China and Russia with Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
- Regional Context: India’s move is also seen as part of its strategy to counter Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan and bolster regional ties through trade and aid initiatives.