The Afghanistan Embassy announced the closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi, effective November 23, 2023, citing persistent challenges from the Indian government. This decision follows the earlier cessation of operations on September 30, made in the hope that the Indian government’s stance would favourably change to allow normal embassy functions.
The embassy, in its official statement, expressed awareness that some may attempt to characterize this move as an internal conflict involving diplomats who allegedly switched allegiance to the Taliban. However, the embassy clarified that the decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests.
Afghanistan Embassy is closed in India
“To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission’s tenure,” it added.
Despite facing limitations in resources and power, the Afghan embassy asserted that it worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Afghan community in India, especially in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul. Over the past two years and three months, the Afghan community in India has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the country.
“We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan, considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India,” it added.
The embassy also addressed efforts to tarnish its image and hinder diplomatic efforts, emphasizing its commitment to advocating for the formation of a broad-based government and exerting diplomatic pressure on those who defy the will of the Afghan people.
As of now, there are no diplomats from the Afghan Republic in India. The embassy informed us that those who served in the national capital have safely reached third countries, and the only individuals present in India are diplomats affiliated with the Taliban, attending their regular online meetings.
“The diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission solely to the Indian government. It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats.
The responsibility of diplomats appointed by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has officially come to an end. The unfortunate end of the Republic mission marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India,” it added.
The Afghanistan embassy had announced the closure of its operations on November 1, citing “lack of resources” and “failure to meet Afghanistan’s interests” by the Taliban regime.
It made an “unequivocal statement” regarding certain consulates that work on instructions and funding from Kabul, stating that they are not in consonance with the objectives of a legitimate or elected government but rather serve the interests of an “illegitimate regime.”
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