India will upgrade its technical mission in Afghanistan to a full-fledged embassy, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar announced on Friday during a meeting with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in New Delhi.
India had maintained a large embassy in Kabul until the Taliban takeover in August 2021, after which it withdrew most of its diplomatic staff and scaled back its presence to a technical mission.
“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.
Russia remains the only country to formally recognize the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, although over a dozen others — including Pakistan — continue to operate embassies in Kabul.
Pleased to meet FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan today in New Delhi.
This visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring India-Afghanistan friendship.
Discussed India’s support for Afghanistan’s development, our bilateral trade,… pic.twitter.com/OLBOiv3gZZ
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 10, 2025
Muttaqi’s visit marks the first by a senior Taliban official to India since the group returned to power. His trip was made possible after the UN Security Council granted him a travel waiver, as he remains under international sanctions.
“We have a common commitment to growth and prosperity,” Jaishankar said.
The diplomatic engagement comes amid tense regional dynamics, with India and Pakistan — both nuclear-armed — maintaining a long-standing rivalry.
Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of allowing Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP to use Afghan soil for perpetrating attacks on Pakistani security forces and warned of action against the banned terrorist group.
India, Pakistan step up missile race amid escalating Afghanistan-centered tensions
Islamabad has alleged that the terrorist-designated group TTP is backed by India with the aim to kick up unrest on its Western border and insecurity in Pakistan. On Thursday night, Pakistan reportedly targeted a TTP leader in Kabul and warned Kabul of consequences against allowing the group to use Afghanistan as safe haven.
India and Pakistan engaged in a deadly military clash in May, their worst confrontation in decades, which erupted when, India launched a missile attack on Pakistani cities, claiming it targeted militants suspected of involvement in April 22 terror attack. Pakistan denied the charge and in retaliation shot down at least six Indian fighter jets.
In a bizarre claim five months after the conflict, New Delhi claimed it also destroyed several Pakistani fighter planes.
India has long expressed concerns about cross-border terrorism and regional instability emanating from Afghan soil. “We appreciate your sensitivity towards India’s security concerns,” Jaishankar told Muttaqi.
Opening remarks at my meeting with Afghan FM Muttaqi, in New Delhi.
https://t.co/incgPxvRnH— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 10, 2025
In response, Muttaqi said Afghanistan views India as “a close friend,” citing humanitarian aid provided by New Delhi after a deadly earthquake in September.
“We will not allow any group to threaten others or use Afghan territory against anyone,” he added.
Kabul invited Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan.
“We share a strong interest in boosting trade and commerce,” Jaishankar noted. “Your invitation to Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan is deeply appreciated.”
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Muhammad Luqman is Associate Editor at Views News Now. He writes on wide-ranging issues including economy, South Asia, the Middle East, agriculture, economy and innovation. Luqman has worked some of the leading news organizations and won acclaim for his original and research-based works.
