Three embassy officials have reported that following the departure of the ambassador and other top diplomats for Europe and the United States, where they were granted asylum, the Afghan embassy in India has ceased all operations.
Following the Taliban’s assumption of power in 2021, India shuttered its embassy in Kabul. However, it continued to permit the ambassador and mission personnel appointed by the Western-supported administration led by former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to oversee visa requests and engage in trade discussions. India does not recognize the Taliban government. According to embassy authorities, at least five Afghan diplomats have left India. One of the Afghan officials announced that the Indian government will now take over the embassy complex in a caretaker capacity.
When inquired about the matter, a spokesperson from the Indian foreign ministry in New Delhi mentioned that they were actively investigating the unfolding events but refrained from giving additional details. Taliban representatives in Kabul were unavailable for immediate comment. India is one of the dozen nations that maintain a modest representation in Kabul, assisting with trade, humanitarian aid, and medical support. Trade between the two countries in 2019–2020 amounted to $1.5 billion, although it immediately declined after the Taliban government took office. Earlier in the current month, a sizable group of Afghan university students, whose student visas had lapsed but are presently living in India, organized a demonstration in New Delhi to advocate for a prolongation of their residency.
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