KABUL, Nov 24 (NNI): The Afghanistan embassy has announced its permanent
closure in Indian capital New Delhi and as of now there are no diplomats
from the Afghan Republic in Delhi, reported Indian news agency ANI.
Releasing an official statement on the closure of its diplomatic mission
in New Delhi, the Afghan embassy 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.”
The embassy said it was ‘cognizant’ that some may attempt to
characterize this move as an internal conflict, allegedly involving
diplomats who switched allegiance to the Taliban, adding “that this
decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests.”
“To the Afghan citizens in India, the embassy extends its sincere
gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission’s
tenure,” it added.
Despite “limitations in resources and power,” the Afghan embassy said it
has worked “tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a
legitimate government in Kabul.”
Over the past two years and three months, the Afghan community in India
has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and
traders leaving the country, the embassy noted in its statement, adding
that the number has nearly halved since August 2021, with very limited
new visas being issued during this period.
“We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with
transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based
on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties
and bilateral relations with India,” it added.
“Unfortunately, efforts have been made to tarnish our image and hinder
diplomatic efforts in order to justify the presence and work of
Taliban-appointed and affiliated diplomats. In the face of these
challenges, our committed team worked diligently in the most difficult
circumstances, prioritizing the interests of the 40 million Afghans in
every possible sphere from securing humanitarian aid and online
education scholarships to facilitating ease in trade and advocating for
the formation of a broad-based government,” the Afghan embassy stated
further in its statement.
It added that the Afghan embassy “exerted diplomatic pressure in its
power on those who defy the will of the Afghan people by failing to form
an inclusive government and denying millions of girls the right to
attend school.”
As of now, there are no diplomats from the Afghan Republic in India.
Those who served in the national capital have safely reached third
countries, the embassy informed through its release, adding that the
only individuals present in India are diplomats affiliated with the
Taliban, visibly attending their regular online meetings.
“The diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission
solely to the Indian government. 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,” it added.
“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.
Notably, the Afghan embassy announced the closure of its operations on
November 1, citing “lack of resources” and “failure to meet
Afghanistan’s interests” by the Taliban regime.
The embassy also made an “unequivocal statement” stating that certain
consulates that work on the instructions and funding from Kabul are not
in consonance with the objectives of a legitimate or elected government
but rather serve the interests of an “illegitimate regime.” NNI
