New Delhi [India], October 22 (HBTV): In a significant step, India on Tuesday restored the status of its Technical Mission in Kabul to that of an Embassy with immediate effect.
According to a release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the decision underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral engagement with Afghanistan across all areas of mutual interest.
The decision was announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his meeting with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, who visited India from October 9 to 16. The MEA stated that the Embassy of India in Kabul will further augment India’s contribution to Afghanistan’s overall development.
‘In keeping with the decision announced during the recent visit of the Afghan Foreign Minister to India, the Government is restoring the status of the Technical Mission of India in Kabul to that of the Embassy of India in Afghanistan with immediate effect. This decision underscores India’s resolve to deepen its bilateral engagement with the Afghan side in all spheres of mutual interest,’ the release said.
‘The Embassy of India in Kabul will further augment India’s contribution to Afghanistan’s comprehensive development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, in keeping with the priorities and aspirations of Afghan society,’ it added.
During his meeting with Muttaqi, Jaishankar said that India remains 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. To enhance that, I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of the Embassy of India,’ Jaishankar said.
The joint statement issued after their talks noted that both sides discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest and regional developments. Jaishankar reiterated India’s long-standing friendship with the Afghan people and highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between the two nations. He also reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s aspirations and development goals.
He expressed appreciation for Afghanistan’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and its condolences to the people and Government of India. Both sides unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism emanating from the region and underlined the need to promote peace, stability, and mutual trust.
Both sides also reaffirmed respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Afghan Foreign Minister reiterated that Afghanistan would not allow any group or individual to use its territory against India.
Jaishankar extended condolences over the loss of lives caused by the recent devastating earthquake in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces. He appreciated Afghanistan’s acknowledgment of India’s swift humanitarian response and relief efforts.
Recognising Afghanistan’s need for economic recovery and development, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in healthcare, public infrastructure, and capacity-building. India also expressed willingness to assist in reconstructing residential buildings in earthquake-affected areas.
The two sides reviewed India’s ongoing humanitarian assistance programmes, which include supplies of food grains, social support items, school stationery, disaster relief materials, and pesticides. The Afghan Foreign Minister thanked India for its generous and comprehensive support, especially for aiding forcibly repatriated refugees.
Discussions also focused on cooperation in sports, particularly cricket, and the promotion of cultural exchanges. Both sides welcomed the launch of the India-Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor to enhance trade and connectivity. The Afghan side invited Indian companies to invest in the mining sector to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties.
Acknowledging India’s assistance in the construction and maintenance of the India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) in Herat, both sides agreed to cooperate on hydroelectric projects to meet Afghanistan’s energy needs and support its agricultural development.
(ANI)