India Upgrades Kabul mission to embassy; Afghanistan seeks mining investment

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday, Oct 10, announced the upgradation of country's technical mission in Afghanistan's capital Kabul to embassy.

The move is seen as a first step towards India officially establishing diplomatic relations with Afghan's Taliban government.

Meeting with Afghanistan's Talibani government's foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, Jaishankar, said, "India is 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 Embassy of India," he added.

#WATCH | During meeting with Afghan FM Muttaqi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy

of India..."

"India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial… pic.twitter.com/OwnzEDSfgU

— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2025

Boosting trade and flight operations 

EAM Jaishankar also stated that Muttaqi invited Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan and the matter will be discussed further to boost trade.

"Your invitation to Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan is also deeply appreciated. This can be discussed further. We have a shared interest in boosting trade and commerce," the EAM said.

"I am glad to note the commencement of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi," he added.

India-Afghanistan against terrorism 

The foreign minister further discussed the issue of cross border and urged that the two countries work together to mitigate these concerns.

"We have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity. However, these are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism that both our nations face. We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," he said.

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"We appreciate your sensitivity towards India’s security concerns. Your solidarity with us in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack was noteworthy," Jaishankar added.

Muttaqi assured that Afghanistan's territory would not be allowed to use against India. "I am happy to be in Delhi, and this visit will increase the understanding between the two countries. India and Afghanistan should increase their engagements and exchanges... We will not allow any group to use our territory against others," he said, as per news agency PTI.

India lends helping hand to Afghanistan

EAM Jaishankar offered the reconstruction of the residences in the areas affected by the earthquakes in Kunar and Nangarhar, and highlighted that India would act as per its "neighbours first" policy in any such disaster.

"Your visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan. We have had opportunities to speak to each other, once after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the second time, after the Kunar and Nangarhar earthquake," he said.

"As a first responder, Indian relief materials were delivered to the earthquake sites within hours of the disaster last month. We would like to contribute to the reconstruction of residences in the affected areas," EAM further said, adding that the meeting holds a "special value" as it leads to India and Afghanistan exchanging perspectives and identify common interests.

Muttaqi echoed similar sentiments and said, "In the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, India was the first responder. Afghanistan looks at India as a close friend. Afghanistan wants relations based on mutual respect, trade and people-to-people relations. We are ready to create a consultative mechanism of understanding, which helps towards strengthening our relations."

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