India has reopened its embassy in Kabul, marking its first full diplomatic engagement with the Taliban administration since 2021. The move upgrades India’s limited technical mission to a full embassy and reflects a major shift in New Delhi’s policy toward Afghanistan’s government.

India has officially reopened its embassy in Kabul, restoring a full diplomatic presence after four years of limited operations. The decision marks India’s first formal engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government since the group took power in 2021. The move shows New Delhi’s intent to rebuild political and developmental ties with Afghanistan.

India Strengthens Ties With Afghanistan

The announcement came on Friday after talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi. This marks India’s most direct diplomatic outreach to the Taliban administration, which has faced global isolation since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. During the meeting, both sides discussed regional security, trade, and humanitarian cooperation. The decision to reopen the embassy signals India’s readiness to engage with Kabul on practical matters while protecting its national interests.

Jaishankar Reaffirms India’s Support

At a joint press briefing, Jaishankar said that closer cooperation between the two countries would support Afghanistan’s development and promote regional stability. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s “sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.” He also thanked Afghan authorities for ensuring the safety of Indian personnel and facilities. Jaishankar emphasized that India’s ongoing projects in health, education, and infrastructure would continue under the renewed diplomatic framework.

A Strategic Change In India’s Approach

India’s decision to upgrade its technical mission to a full embassy marks a significant change in its Afghanistan policy. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, New Delhi had limited its engagement to humanitarian aid and regional dialogue. Reopening the embassy allows India to secure its long-term strategic interests, strengthen people-to-people connections, and maintain influence in Afghanistan’s development. Analysts see this move as part of India’s broader effort to balance national security concerns with regional stability.

India’s full diplomatic return to Kabul highlights a pragmatic and forward-looking shift in its foreign policy. While challenges remain in working with the Taliban government, the move positions New Delhi as an active player in Afghanistan’s future and in maintaining peace across the region.