India Announces Full Diplomatic Ties with Taliban Govt, Reestablishment of Embassy In Kabul | Top Points

In a landmark move, India on Friday announced the reestablishment of its Embassy in Kabul and full diplomatic ties with the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan. The announcement came during External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar’s meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi - the first-ever high-level engagement between the two countries since the Taliban government formation in August 2021.

Jaishankar declared that India’s Technical Mission in Kabul will be upgraded to the status of the Embassy of India, formally reestablishing India’s diplomatic presence in the Afghan capital after four years.

“Your visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks.

Rebuilding Development Partnership

Jaishankar reaffirmed that India’s decades-long partnership with Afghanistan, which has seen over 500 community and infrastructure projects, will now enter a new phase.He has also assured that discussions to soon begin on repairing completed projects and finishing pending ones.

“As a contiguous neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress. Today, I reaffirm that our longstanding partnership that has seen so many Indian projects in Afghanistan stands renewed. We can discuss the maintenance and repairs of finished projects as well as steps to complete others to which we have already committed. Beyond that, other development priorities of Afghanistan can be discussed by our teams," EAM Jaishankar said.

India, he added, is committing to six new development projects, including the gift of 20 ambulances, the supply of MRI and CT scan machines, vaccines, and cancer medicines. Five ambulances were handed over symbolically to Muttaqi during the meeting.

India also promised assistance in reconstruction of earthquake-hit regions of Kunar and Nangarhar, where Indian relief materials reached 'within hours of the disaster'.

“As a first responder, Indian relief materials were delivered to the earthquake sites within hours of the disaster last month. We would like to contribute to the reconstruction of residences in the affected areas,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said.

Humanitarian & Refugee Support

Expressing concern over forcible repatriation of the Afghan refugees, Jaishankar asserted that their dignity and livelihood remain a 'matter of deep concern'. "Their dignity and livelihood is important. India agrees to help construct residences for them and continue providing material aid to rebuild their lives," EAM stated.

Additionally, a new consignment of food aid will arrive in Kabul today as part of India’s sustained humanitarian outreach since 2021.

Focus on Trade, Education, Sports, and Connectivity

Highlighting the India-Afghanistan shared interest in boosting trade and commerce, Jaishankar welcomed the resumption of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi.

He also reaffirmed India’s support for Afghan youth and professionals and announced expanded educational opportunities for Afghan students in Indian universities.

“Our educational and capacity building programmes have long nurtured the Afghan youth. We will expand avenues,” the Minister assured.

Praising Afghanistan’s 'impressive' cricketing success, Jaishankar pledged to deepen India’s support for Afghan sports talent.

Cooperation in Water & Mining Sector

The two countries discussed collaboration on water management and irrigation, a sector with a 'productive history of cooperation'. "We note the interest on the Afghan side in taking this further and are ready to collaborate on the sustainable management of its water resources," EAM said. He also 'deeply appreciated' Muttaqi’s invitation to Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan.

EAM On New Visa Module

Jaishankar highlighted India’s new visa module for Afghan citizens introduced in April 2025, which has enabled the issuance of a greater number of visas in medical, business, and student categories.

Jaishankar's Clear Message to Pakistan

In a veiled but evident reference to Pakistan, Jaishankar highlighted the shared threat both nations face from cross-border terrorism. He also appreciating Afghanistan’s sensitivity after the Pahalgam terror attack orchestrated by the Pakistani terrorists.

"We have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity. However, these are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism that both our nations face. We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," Jaishankar said.

"We appreciate your sensitivity towards India’s security concerns. Your solidarity with us in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack was noteworthy," he added.

While concluding his remarks, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India's full commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan. "Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development, as well as regional stability and resilience. 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."