India to Reopen Embassy in Kabul After Four-Year Closure

India will reopen its embassy in Kabul, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar announced on Friday, marking a significant step towards strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries. The embassy was shut four years ago after the Taliban seized power, but India had maintained a small mission to facilitate trade, medical support, and humanitarian aid. The announcement comes as Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi began talks with Jaishankar on his first visit to India since 2021, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two nations. Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, while Muttaqi expressed gratitude for India's immediate response to the recent earthquake in Afghanistan.

Key Takeaways:

  • India will reopen its embassy in Kabul, four years after it was shut due to the Taliban takeover.
  • The embassy's reopening is a significant step towards strengthening diplomatic ties between India and Afghanistan.
  • India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized the country's commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
  • Jaishankar stated that closer cooperation between India and Afghanistan contributes to national development, regional stability, and resilience.
  • Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi expressed gratitude for India's immediate response to the recent earthquake in Afghanistan.
  • The two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges.

Statistics:

  • India maintained a small mission in Kabul for four years to facilitate trade, medical support, and humanitarian aid.
  • About a dozen countries, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkiye, have embassies operating in Kabul.
  • India is the first country to respond to the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, according to Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
  • 2021: The year marking the withdrawal of US-led Nato forces and the Taliban's seizure of power in Afghanistan.

Sources:

  • Pajhwok Afghan News
  • Hindustan Times