Afghanistan closes its Delhi embassy permanently, citing continued ‘challenges’ from Indian govt

The Afghanistan embassy declared on Friday that it will be closing down its activities in New Delhi permanently, citing “broader changes in policy and interests” as the reason for the move. Afghanistan has also stated that it made this choice in response to “continuous pressure” to “relinquish control” from the Indian government and the Taliban.

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s Embassy released an official statement stating, “Effective from November 23, 2023 owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government. The decision follows the embassy’s earlier cessation of operations on September 30, a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally.”

“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announces permanent closure in New Delhi.”

November 24, 2023, Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)

Afghanistan Embassy will be closing its doors on Sunday, October 1

The Afghanistan Embassy announced on September 30 that it will be closing its doors on Sunday, October 1. The reasons given were a “lack of support from the host government,” a “meeting of expectations… to serve the best interests of Afghanistan,” and a shortage of staff and resources.

The Afghan Embassy in New Delhi reportedly “purportedly issued a communication on this issue” regarding closing its India activities, according to a story published in The Indian Express earlier that month.

“Objectives of visa extension for diplomats and a shift in Indian government’s conduct were not realised,” the embassy stated, even after an eight-week delay.

Declaring that India has been the former Afghan Republic’s “steadfast strategic partner” since 2001, the embassy claimed that it is in Afghanistan’s best interests to close the mission and hand over custody to the host nation. It said, “We acknowledge the limitations and concerns that govern the realm of relapolitik and the balancing act required at a difficult time in a geo-politically sensitive region.”

According to the embassy’s announcement, the Afghan Republic does not currently have any ambassadors stationed in India. The soldiers that fought in the capital have safely fled to other countries, and the only people left in India are Taliban-affiliated diplomats who are evidently present at their internet gatherings.

“It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats,” the embassy stated, marking the end of the Afghan Republic presence in India. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s diplomats are no longer formally responsible for their work. The Afghan Republic in India has come to a tragic end with the Republic mission.

“We have considered the historic events and current circumstances carefully in arriving at this conclusion. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years. We reiterate our commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan and will continue to explore avenues to support our nation in these challenging times,” the statement ended.

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