India to reopen embassy in Kabul, strengthen ties with Taliban: Jaishankar

New Delhi, October 10. India will reopen its Embassy in Kabul, marking a significant step in rebuilding formal diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. Announcing the decision on October 10, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the existing Technical Mission in Kabul will be upgraded to a full-fledged Embassy, reflecting New Delhi’s renewed commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, stability, and development.

Jaishankar made the announcement during his opening remarks in his meeting with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, describing the visit as “an important step in advancing bilateral ties and reaffirming the enduring friendship between our two nations”.

Recalling earlier discussions with Muttaqi following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the recent earthquakes in Kunar and Nangarhar, Jaishankar said India remains “fully committed to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence”.

“Closer cooperation between us contributes not only to your national development but also to regional stability and resilience,” he added

Renewed development partnership

Reiterating India’s longstanding role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction, Jaishankar announced several new initiatives, including six fresh development projects and a gift of 20 ambulances, five of which, he said, he would personally hand over to Muttaqi.

“India has been a steadfast partner in Afghanistan’s health security, including during the COVID pandemic,” he said.

He added that India will supply MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals, deliver vaccines and cancer medicines, and continue providing drug rehabilitation materials through the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

“As a first responder, Indian relief materials were delivered to the earthquake sites within hours of the disaster last month,” Jaishankar said. “We would like to contribute to the reconstruction of residences in the affected areas. India has also been a significant provider of food assistance to the Afghan people. A further consignment will be delivered in Kabul today.”

Support for refugees and reconstruction

Jaishankar expressed deep concern over the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees, stressing that “their dignity and livelihood must be protected”. India, he said, will help build housing for returning refugees and continue extending material assistance to support their reintegration.

Expanding economic and educational links

The minister also highlighted new opportunities in trade, mining, and water management, noting India’s readiness to collaborate on the sustainable management of Afghanistan’s water resources.

“Your invitation to Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan is also deeply appreciated. This can be discussed further,” he said.

On people-to-people ties, Jaishankar announced that India will expand opportunities for Afghan students in Indian universities and continue supporting Afghan cricket.

“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,” he said.

He also welcomed the resumption of more flights between Kabul and New Delhi and noted that India’s new visa system for Afghan nationals, launched in April 2025, has increased the number of medical, business, and student visas being issued.

Shared security concerns

Touching on regional security, Jaishankar emphasized the need for joint action against terrorism.

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

Jaishankar concluded by announcing that India’s technical mission in Kabul will be upgraded back to that of an embassy.

“Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development as well as regional stability and resilience,” he said. “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.”