Pranav Mathur, Pune
The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi has closed after several months of uncertainty. The mission, which operated with minimal personnel and the absence of the envoy designated during the administration of Dr. Ashraf Ghani, was said to be ceased because of a number of issues, including a lack of support from the “host government” in a statement released to the media.
A press statement was revealed which said “The Embassy has experienced a notable absence of crucial support from the host government, which has hindered our ability to carry out our duties effectively”. It also stated that the reason for the reduction in personnel and resources was due to the presence of the Taliban administration in Kabul and agreed that it had fallen short of the expectations in serving Afghanistan’s interests.
The Hindu was informed by a source in the mission that ambassador Farid Mamundzay, who had left India more than three months ago, had not returned, leaving a void in the embassy that had only gotten worse by the departure of at least four more personnel at the senior level, which included his personal secretary. The Afghan embassy in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi’s diplomatic district, has witnessed the turbulent political history of Afghanistan and has been managed by a variety of political bosses in Kabul as governments have changed numerous times beginning in the late 1970s.
India has declared that while determining whether to recognize the Taliban government, it will take the United Nations’ lead. The Afghan embassy stated that it sought to come to an understanding with the Indian government to guarantee the protection of Afghans’ interests while they are residing, working, studying, and conducting business there.
India refused to recognize the Taliban government in Kabul after the ouster of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s previous president, Dr. Ghani, and has kept a “technical team” stationed there since June 2022. Therefore, there is no formal diplomatic relationship between New Delhi and the Taliban establishment in Kabul, and it is unlikely that the group will immediately take control of the embassy, which has historically belonged to Kabul’s traditional leaders.