India Fully Reopens Its Kabul Embassy, Reestablishes Diplomatic Engagement with Afghanistan

India has restored full diplomatic operations in Afghanistan by upgrading its mission in Kabul to the status of a functioning embassy. This is the first time since August 2021 that New Delhi has resumed a complete diplomatic presence in the country.

Following the Taliban’s return to power, India had closed its embassy and evacuated all personnel due to security concerns. A limited technical team was later sent back in 2022 to oversee humanitarian projects, but no full-scale diplomatic activity had resumed until now.

According to officials familiar with the development, the decision aims to improve coordination on development initiatives, consular services, and regional security matters. They emphasized that reopening the embassy does not equate to formal recognition of the Taliban government but reflects India’s practical need to maintain on-ground engagement.

India has ongoing investments in Afghanistan, including infrastructure projects, educational programs, and medical support. With the mission now restored to embassy-level operations, authorities expect smoother communication channels and more structured diplomatic outreach.

Afghan officials have reportedly welcomed the move, considering India a key development partner with historic ties to the Afghan people. Regional analysts believe the decision could help India safeguard its strategic interests, monitor security threats, and support its citizens and Afghan partners more efficiently.

New Delhi is continuing to balance engagement without extending formal legitimacy to the current regime. The embassy’s revival is seen as part of a broader policy to stay diplomatically active in the region while prioritizing stability and counterterrorism cooperation.