On Friday, the Afghan embassy in New Delhi declared its permanent closure. The Afghan embassy in New Delhi announced in an official statement that it was closing its doors as of November 23, 2023, due to ongoing issues with the Indian government. The decision comes after the embassy had already halted operations on September 30 in the hopes that the Indian government’s position would shift in a way that would allow the mission to continue “as usual.”
The embassy said, “This decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests,” acknowledging that some may try to paint the action as an internal dispute involving diplomats who defected to the Taliban.
“To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission’s tenure,” it continued. The Afghan embassy claimed to have worked “tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul” despite “limitations in resources and power”.
The embassy stated that there has been a significant decline in the Afghan community in India during the past 27 months. Since August 2021, the number of Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the nation has decreased by around 50%. The statement went on to emphasize that hardly any new visas had been issued during this time.
In light of Afghanistan’s historical links and bilateral relations with India, we reassure the Afghan population that the mission functioned with openness, accountability, and a dedication to fair treatment,” it continued.
Sadly, attempts have been made to damage our reputation and obstruct diplomatic operations in an attempt to defend the employment and presence of diplomats nominated by and linked with the Taliban. The statement from the Afghan embassy continued, “In the face of these obstacles, our dedicated team labored hard under extremely trying conditions, putting the needs of the 40 million Afghans first in every area, from obtaining humanitarian aid and online education scholarships to facilitating ease in trade and pushing for the establishment of a broad-based government.”
Declaring that there has been a “policy shift” and stressing the need for an inclusive administration, the Afghan Embassy in Delhi has closed permanently. The embassy reported on its diplomatic attempts to put pressure on individuals, impeding the establishment of an inclusive administration and depriving millions of girls of an education. The Afghan Republic no longer has any ambassadors in India; instead, their missions have been transferred to other nations. Only officials with ties to the Taliban are in India, the embassy made clear. Diplomats from the Afghan Republic turned over the post to the Indian government, leaving it up to them to decide whether to keep it closed or look into other options, such as giving it to diplomats from the Taliban. The embassy pledged to support Afghanistan through difficulties and praised India for its 22 years of assistance.
The ambassador of Afghanistan to India backed the decision to end the mission and recognized India as a key partner. The embassy denounced certain consulates for operating in opposition to lawful government goals. Allegations that India did not assist the Afghan Embassy in Delhi, which closed on October 1, were refuted in October.
