Title: Afghanistan’s Embassy in New Delhi Officially Closes Amid Escalating Tensions with India
New Delhi, India – In an escalating blow to diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and India, the Afghan embassy in New Delhi has officially closed its doors. Diplomats appointed by the ousted Afghan government failed to secure visa extensions, resulting in their departure for Europe and the United States in September to seek asylum.
India, which does not recognize the Taliban government, had allowed the Afghan ambassador and mission staff to stay in place. However, the prolonged wait for visa extensions and a shift in India’s conduct prompted the closure, leaving the keys to the Indian government.
According to sources, the closure was a result of both Indian government pressure and Taliban influence. Afghan diplomats appointed by the previous government have relocated to third countries, leaving no remaining diplomats in India.
Although the statement released by the embassy did not mention the status of Afghan consulates in other Indian cities, concerns over their continuation have been raised. The closure of the embassy signals further strain in relations between Afghanistan and India since the Taliban seized power in 2021.
The Indian foreign ministry and the Taliban-run Afghan foreign ministry have yet to issue an immediate response regarding the embassy closure. Observers suggest this development could further complicate diplomatic efforts between the two nations.
India has been a significant contributor to Afghanistan’s development, offering aid and investment for various projects. However, with the Taliban’s rise to power, India has refrained from embracing the new government and maintained reservations due to concerns over the treatment of minorities and women’s rights.
The closure of the embassy will undoubtedly impact diplomatic ties, further isolating the Taliban-led Afghanistan on the international stage. It remains to be seen how this closure will affect the engagement between the two nations going forward.
This marks another setback for the Afghan government, which is attempting to establish its legitimacy and gain recognition from the international community. As tensions persist, the future of Afghanistan’s relationship with India remains uncertain, potentially intersecting with wider geopolitical dynamics in the region.
For now, the shuttering of the embassy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Afghanistan and its diplomatic representation worldwide.
As the global community closely monitors the situation, all eyes will be on Afghanistan and India to see how they navigate the intricate web of international relations in the coming months.
