India has officially upgraded its Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of an embassy, a move announced on Tuesday following the recent visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India. This decision marks a significant step in enhancing diplomatic relations between India and Afghanistan, despite India not formally recognizing the Taliban government.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the embassy will be led by a chargé d’affaires, with plans to appoint an ambassador in the future. The Taliban is expected to send two diplomats to India by November, who will operate from the Afghan embassy in New Delhi. This development aims to strengthen economic cooperation and enable India to contribute more effectively to Afghanistan’s development.

India had closed its embassy in Kabul in August 2021 after the Taliban took control but reopened a technical mission in June 2022 to facilitate humanitarian aid. The MEA emphasized that the upgraded embassy will enhance India’s role in Afghanistan’s comprehensive development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, aligning with the aspirations of the Afghan people.

During his visit, Muttaqi discussed various issues of mutual interest with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also condemning terrorism from regional countries, implicitly referring to Pakistan. The Taliban’s support for India’s sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir has led to tensions with Islamabad, which has lodged a formal protest.

Jaishankar reiterated India’s long-standing friendship with the Afghan people and its commitment to their developmental needs. He stated, "India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan. Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development, as well as regional stability and resilience."

This upgrade in diplomatic status comes amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with border clashes reported during Muttaqi’s visit. The Taliban has expressed its intention to maintain peaceful relations with Pakistan while strengthening ties with India, emphasizing that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used against New Delhi’s interests.

As of now, Russia is the only country that has formally recognized the Taliban government, while China and Pakistan have accepted its diplomats. India continues to advocate for an inclusive government in Afghanistan and the protection of women’s and children’s rights.