By News Karnataka Editorial Team

Copyright newskarnataka

New Delhi [India]: India has reaffirmed its longstanding friendship with Afghanistan, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announcing six new development projects and upgrading India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of the Embassy of India. The announcement came during a bilateral meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a week-long visit — the first high-level delegation from Kabul since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021.

Strengthening diplomatic ties

During the meeting, Jaishankar expressed India’s commitment to maintaining robust diplomatic and developmental engagement with Afghanistan. He underscored that despite changes in Kabul’s political landscape, India’s relationship with the Afghan people remains steadfast.

“India remains a true partner in Afghanistan’s growth and stability. Our cooperation extends to development, humanitarian aid, and cultural exchanges,” Jaishankar said.

He announced six new projects aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education in Afghanistan. These projects will be implemented under India’s existing development partnership framework, which has already funded over 500 projects worth more than ₹22,000 crore since 2001.

Jaishankar also appreciated Afghanistan’s solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack and acknowledged the country’s sensitivity towards India’s security concerns, calling it a sign of mutual trust and understanding.

Upgrading India’s diplomatic presence in Kabul

One of the major takeaways from the meeting was India’s decision to upgrade its Technical Mission in Kabul—which has operated with limited staff since 2022—to a full-fledged embassy.

“We are upgrading our Technical Mission in Kabul to the Embassy of India to strengthen cooperation and provide consular services more effectively,” Jaishankar announced.

The move is seen as a signal of India’s renewed confidence in re-engaging with Afghanistan, particularly in humanitarian and developmental areas.

Focus on Afghan cricket and sports diplomacy

Jaishankar also highlighted the rise of Afghan cricket as a source of national pride and a bridge between the two countries. Calling Afghanistan’s cricketing achievements “truly impressive,” he reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening support for Afghan sports infrastructure.

“Sports is another longstanding connection. The emergence of Afghan cricket talent has been truly impressive. India is glad to deepen its support for Afghan cricket,” the minister said.

India has previously provided Afghanistan with training facilities, stadium access, and logistical support for international matches. Afghan cricketers have also played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and trained at Indian academies, strengthening sports diplomacy between the two nations.

Muttaqi’s visit marks diplomatic thaw

Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit, from October 9 to 16, marks a potential turning point in India-Afghanistan relations since the Taliban takeover. According to Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the Afghan Foreign Ministry, the visit aims to expand “political, economic, and cultural cooperation” with India.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) granted a temporary exemption on international travel restrictions for Muttaqi, allowing him to visit India for a week.

This visit is expected to include meetings with Indian business leaders, humanitarian organisations, and Afghan diaspora representatives, as both sides explore ways to resume trade and infrastructure projects halted after 2021.

Cricket diplomacy and broader cooperation

Afghanistan’s cricket team has emerged as one of Asia’s most promising sides in recent years. In 2024, the team won four consecutive ODI series—defeating Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe—cementing its reputation as the second-best Asian side after India.

Despite never having beaten India in any format—Tests, ODIs, or T20Is—the Afghan team continues to earn admiration for its resilience and rapid progress. India has played a key role in providing training facilities and hosting Afghanistan’s “home” matches at venues such as Dehradun, Lucknow, and Greater Noida.

A new phase in India-Afghanistan ties

Observers view Jaishankar’s announcements as part of India’s effort to balance humanitarian engagement with security concerns, while continuing to support the Afghan people without directly recognising the Taliban regime.

Diplomatic sources said India’s decision to upgrade its mission and extend development support signals a pragmatic approach — one that focuses on people-centric engagement rather than political endorsement.

The talks in New Delhi are expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation in areas like renewable energy, agriculture, and digital connectivity.

As Jaishankar concluded, “India stands with Afghanistan in its journey towards peace, stability, and prosperity. Our shared history and cultural bonds will continue to guide this partnership.”