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India has officially restored its full diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, upgrading its Technical Mission in Kabul to the level of an embassy, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday. The decision follows recent discussions during the visit of Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister to New Delhi, marking a renewed phase in India-Afghanistan relations. The MEA said the move reflects India’s “resolve to deepen its bilateral engagement with the Afghan side in all spheres of mutual interest.” “The Embassy of India in Kabul will further augment India’s contribution to Afghanistan’s comprehensive development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, in keeping with the priorities and aspirations of Afghan society,” a statement read. India had maintained a limited diplomatic presence in Kabul since the fall of the former Afghan government in 2021, operating through a technical mission primarily focused on humanitarian and development assistance. The latest move signals New Delhi’s intent to expand cooperation and strengthen people-to-people ties amid improving regional engagement. Analysts say the decision aligns with India’s long-term strategic and developmental interests in Afghanistan, where it has historically invested in major infrastructure projects, education, and healthcare programs. It also comes as several regional powers — including China, Russia, and Iran — have stepped up engagement with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA). By restoring its embassy, India positions itself to play a more active diplomatic and developmental role in Afghanistan’s evolving landscape, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting stability and inclusive progress in the country.
