The Afghanistan embassy on Friday announced the permanent shutdown of its operations in New Delhi “owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government.”
In an official statement announcing the closure of the diplomatic mission, the Afghan embassy said: "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."
It further stated that despite an eight-week-long wait, the objectives of “visa extension and a shift in the Indian government's conduct were not realised”. Given the constant pressure from the Taliban and the Indian government to relinquish control, the embassy faced a difficult choice.”
Despite "limitations in resources and power", the Afghan embassy said it has worked "tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul".
Over the past two years and three months, the Afghan community in India has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the country, the embassy noted in its statement, adding that the number has nearly halved since August 2021, with very limited new visas being issued during this period.
"We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India," it added.
It further stated that there are no diplomats from the 'Afghan Republic' remain in India. “The only individuals present in India are those associated with the Taliban, visibly attending their regular online meetings.”
