Rift in relations between India and Afghanistan, Embassy packed up from Delhi

Relations between India and Afghanistan have now officially ended. Actually, the Afghan embassy in New Delhi has been permanently closed.

Issuing an official statement on the closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi, the Afghan Embassy said that it has become effective from November 23, 2023, due to persistent challenges from the Indian government.

This decision has been taken by the embassy after ceasing operations on September 30. This step was taken in the hope that the attitude of the Government of India would change favorably to allow the mission to operate normally.

The embassy said in its statement that the last two years and three months have seen a major decline in the Afghan community in India. This number has almost halved since August 2021 with Afghan refugees, students, and businessmen leaving the country. For this reason, very limited new visas were issued during this period, the embassy said.

"Unfortunately, efforts have been made to justify the presence and work of Taliban-appointed diplomats to tarnish our image and hinder diplomatic efforts," the statement said. Faced with these challenges, our committed team worked diligently, prioritizing even the most difficult circumstances.

Now Afghanistan has no diplomat in India. Those serving in the national capital have safely reached third countries, the embassy said, adding that the only people present in India are Taliban-linked diplomats, who are attending their regular online meetings.