Afghanistan permanently shuts down its Indian embassy over 'policy,' 'interests'
What's the story
The Afghan Embassy officially announced its permanent closure in New Delhi on Friday over "persistent challenges from the Indian government." In a release, the embassy confirmed that the closure of its diplomatic mission in India's capital is effective from Thursday. The move follows the embassy's previous "cessation of operations on September 30," a decision it said was taken in hopes that India's stance will change to "let the mission operate normally."
Details
Afghan Embassy's message for its citizens in India
Moreover, the Afghan Embassy emphasized that it was "cognisant" that some might try to label this decision as an internal conflict, allegedly involving diplomats who swapped allegiance to the Taliban. It added that the move resulted from changes in "policy and interests." "To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission's tenure," noted the embassy.
What Next?
Afghan diplomats handed over mission to Indian government
There are currently no diplomats from the Afghan Republic in India, and those who served at the embassy returned to their countries safely. It stated that the only individuals present in India were diplomats affiliated with the Taliban, and that the Afghan diplomats had "handed over the mission solely to the Indian government."
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Afghan community in India saw significant decline over past years
The statement also highlighted that the Afghan community in India has seen a significant decline over the past couple of years, with Afghan students, traders, and refugees leaving the country. "The number has nearly halved since August 2021, with very limited new visas being issued during this period," it added. The Afghan Embassy concluded by extending gratitude to the people of India for their assistance and support over the past two decades.
Twitter Post
You can read Afghan Embassy in India's official release
Press Statement
— Afghan Embassy India (@AfghanistanInIN) November 24, 2023
24th November, 2023
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announces permanent closure in New Delhi.
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi regrets to announce the permanent closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi 1/2 pic.twitter.com/VlXRSA0vZ8
Insights
Afghan Embassy ceased operations in October
In September, the Afghanistan Embassy declared that it was ceasing its operations from October 1 due to a "lack of support from the host government" and failure to "meet expectations to serve the best interests of Afghanistan." The Afghan Embassy in New Delhi was run by staff appointed by the previous government under Ashraf Ghani.