India has officially restored full diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, announcing that its technical mission in Kabul will now be upgraded to the status of an embassy. This move marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries.
According to a report by NDTV, the announcement was made by Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar during a joint press conference with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, on Friday morning. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, expressing satisfaction that the technical mission is now being elevated to embassy status.
The Indian Foreign Minister highlighted India’s deep interest in Afghanistan’s development and prosperity, noting that India has long supported multiple development projects in the country. He also announced the launch of six new initiatives to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Jaishankar emphasized India’s contributions to Afghanistan’s health sector, recalling the assistance provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, and announced the donation of 20 ambulances as a goodwill gesture. India will also supply modern medical equipment, vaccines, and cancer medications.
It is important to note that India had closed its embassy in Kabul in 2021 after the Taliban took power, suspending diplomatic activities for ten months. The technical mission was re-established after the Taliban assured New Delhi of security for its personnel.
In October 2025, ties between the two countries improved further as Amir Khan Muttaqi stated that the Taliban government would not allow Afghan soil to be used for any activity against India. However, the formal recognition of the Taliban government remains a critical issue for India, with Russia being the only country to have officially recognized the regime so far.
