The Afghanistan embassy Friday announced the permanent closure of its operations in New Delhi and said “that this decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests”. Afghanistan has also cited “constant pressure” from the Taliban and the Indian government to “relinquish control” as reason for it to make this decision.
Releasing an official statement, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan 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.”
On September 30, the Afghanistan Embassy said that it was ceasing its operations from Sunday (October 1), citing “lack of support from the host government”, failure to “meet expectations… to serve the best interests of Afghanistan”, and paucity of resources and personnel.
Earlier in the same month, The Indian Express reported that the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi had “purportedly issued a communication on this issue” regarding shutting down its India operations.
The embassy said that even after an eight-week wait, “objectives of visa extension for diplomats and a shift in Indian government’s conduct were not realised.”
Calling India a “steadfast strategic partner” of the erstwhile Afghan Republic since 2001, the embassy said closing the mission and transferring custodial authority to the host country is in the best interest of Afghanistan. “We acknowledge the limitations and concerns that govern the realm of relapolitik and the balancing act required at a difficult time in a geo-politically sensitive region,” it stated.
There are no diplomats from the Afghan Republic in India as of now, the embassy stated in its release. Those who served in the national capital have safely reached third countries and the only individuals present in India are diplomats affiliated with the Taliban, visibly attending their regular online meetings.
Marking the conclusion of the Afghan Republic mission in India, the embassy said: “It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats. The responsibility of diplomats appointed by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has officially come to an end. The unfortunate end of the Republic mission marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India.”
“We have considered the historic events and current circumstances carefully in arriving at this conclusion. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years. We reiterate our commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan and will continue to explore avenues to support our nation in these challenging times,” the statement concluded.
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First published on: 24-11-2023 at 08:40 IST
