Overview
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs said on Oct. 21 that the Kabul post now functions as the Embassy of India with immediate effect, following Afghan acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s recent visit.
- The embassy will focus on scaling humanitarian assistance, development projects and capacity‑building in line with Afghan priorities, according to the MEA.
- Officials indicated the mission will initially be led by a chargé d’affaires, reflecting India’s decision to engage without appointing an ambassador or recognising the regime.
- During meetings in New Delhi, Muttaqi assured Afghan territory would not be used against India and said Kabul plans to send diplomats to India as ties are advanced step by step.
- The upgrade comes after recent Afghanistan–Pakistan border clashes that have since paused under a Qatar‑ and Türkiye‑brokered ceasefire, as regional powers deepen their diplomatic activity in Kabul.