• Source:JND
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In a major development, India has announced to reopen Embassy in Kabul. The move came after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Talibani Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi. Since 2022, India has maintained a technical mission there. This is the first high-level trip from Kabul after the Taliban seized power following the collapse of the Ashraf Ghani government over four years back.

Muttaqi, who is currently on six-day visit, held extensive talks with Jaishankar on Friday in the national capital. 

"I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India...," Jaishankar said after meeting the Taliban Minister.

Jaishankar takes a swipe at Pakistan

"India is fully committed 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," he added.

However, there is no announcement of whether the Taliban reopens its embassy here in New Delhi. Notably, earlier in November 2023, the Embassy of Afghanistan permanently closed down. The embassy blamed both the Taliban rulers in Kabul as well as the Government of India for pressuring it to stop operations in India permanently. As per media reports, the embassy had stopped functioning on September 30 when the senior Afghan diplomats and the ambassador representing the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan left India.

Muttaqi's visit crucial chapter in India-Afghan relations: Jaishankar

"Welcoming" the Talibani minister, Jaishankar termed Muttaqi visit crucial chapter in advancing India-Afghanistan ties and enduring the friendship. He recalled the last conversation he had with the Talibani minister following Pakistan-sponsored deadly attacks in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.

"... Your visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan. We have had opportunities to speak to each other, once after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the second time, after the Kunar and Nangarhar earthquake," said Jaishankar.

"However, a meeting between us in person has a special value in allowing us to exchange perspectives, identify common interests and forge closer cooperation... 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...," he added.

This is a breaking story. More details will be added.