The Afghan embassy in India officially halted its operations on Sunday as the ambassador and several high-ranking diplomats, who reportedly sought asylum in Europe and the US, left the country.
This move comes more than two years after the Taliban regained control of Kabul, following the collapse of the Western-backed government.
Despite the Taliban’s assumption of power, most foreign nations, including India, have yet to recognize the Taliban government as the legitimate ruling authority, leaving several Afghan embassies and consulates in a state of uncertainty.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi expressed “profound sadness, regret, and disappointment” regarding its decision to cease operations.
The statement indicated that India would assume caretaker responsibilities for the embassy.
Operational challenges, including reduced staff and resources, as well as insufficient support for visa renewals, were cited as reasons for the closure.
Rumors circulated suggesting that the departure of the ambassador and senior officials was prompted by internal disputes among those remaining in New Delhi. The embassy vehemently denied claims of internal strife and dismissed allegations that diplomats were exploiting the crisis to seek asylum in third countries.
Following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, New Delhi evacuated its entire mission from Kabul due to Taliban attacks. Although a small team returned to reopen the embassy last year, most foreign nations withdrew their diplomatic staff and have not yet returned.
Several embassies, including those of Pakistan, China, and Russia, have ambassadors stationed in Kabul.
Earlier last year, scuffles erupted at Afghanistan’s embassy in Rome when a junior diplomat, claiming to be appointed by the Taliban’s leaders, attempted to take over from an ambassador loyal to the former government.
Most senior Afghan foreign ministry officials are presently in Moscow, attending a Russia-brokered conference on the country. There has been no immediate response from India regarding the closure of the Afghan embassy in New Delhi.
