India to restart Kabul mission, ending four-year diplomatic pause

India will reopen its embassy in Kabul after four years. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the decision during his meeting with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Doha. The move signals India’s cautious return to full diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan.

Jaishankar said India will upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy. He added that New Delhi aims to strengthen humanitarian and developmental cooperation with the Afghan people. “India has always supported Afghanistan’s stability and progress,” he said, emphasizing continuity in India’s policy toward the war-torn nation.

India closed its embassy and consulates in August 2021 when the Taliban took control of Kabul. The government prioritized the safety of its diplomats and evacuated them immediately. Since then, India has maintained limited engagement through a small technical team that oversees humanitarian aid.

Over the past three years, India has sent large quantities of food grains, medicines, and vaccines to Afghanistan. Indian officials have coordinated with international agencies to ensure the supplies reach those in need. The assistance helped India maintain goodwill among ordinary Afghans despite political uncertainty.

Now, New Delhi seeks to move beyond aid. Reopening the embassy allows India to manage projects more closely, restore cultural links, and improve regional security coordination. Jaishankar said the decision reflects India’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan’s people.

The meeting in Doha also marked renewed contact between Indian and Afghan officials. Muttaqi welcomed India’s plan and said Kabul values India’s continued engagement. He urged deeper cooperation in education, trade, and infrastructure.

India’s move carries regional significance. China and Pakistan already maintain active missions in Kabul. By reopening its embassy, India ensures it remains part of the evolving geopolitical equation in Afghanistan.

Jaishankar noted that India would proceed carefully while monitoring the security situation. He said India seeks peace and stability in Afghanistan through direct and responsible engagement.

With this step, India reclaims its role as a key regional partner focused on humanitarian support, developmental cooperation, and people-to-people ties.