India’s Afghanistan Policy Evolves: Jaishankar Meets Muttaqi, Elevates Kabul Mission, Pledges 6 New Projects

In a major diplomatic move underscoring New Delhi’s renewed engagement with Afghanistan, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar on Friday announced the upgradation of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of the Embassy of India. The announcement came during his opening remarks at the meeting with the visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi.EAM described the visit as an “important step in advancing ties and reaffirming the enduring friendship” between the two countries. The decision to elevate the mission’s status marks a significant milestone in India’s evolving approach toward Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021, signalling a cautious but firm commitment to long-term cooperation and regional

stability.

Renewed Partnership and Development Focus

Reaffirming India’s “deep interest in Afghanistan’s development and progress,” Jaishankar said New Delhi remains committed to sustaining and expanding its decades-old development partnership. He noted that India would continue to maintain and repair existing infrastructure projects in Afghanistan while working to complete those already committed.Importantly, EAM announced that India is ready to undertake six new development projects, with details to be finalised after bilateral talks. These projects are expected to focus on areas of health, education, and infrastructure — sectors where India has historically played a pivotal role.

Health, Humanitarian and Relief Support

India’s humanitarian outreach remains a central feature of its engagement with Kabul. EAM announced that India would gift 20 ambulances to Afghanistan, five of which were handed over symbolically during the meeting. Additionally, India will supply MRI and CT scan machines, vaccines for immunisation, and cancer medicines to Afghan hospitals.India also reaffirmed support through the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) by providing drug rehabilitation materials and expressed readiness to expand this assistance further.Jaishankar highlighted India’s swift response during last month’s devastating earthquake in Afghanistan, noting that relief supplies were dispatched “within hours” of the disaster. He said India now intends to contribute to reconstruction efforts, particularly the rebuilding of damaged residences in the affected regions.

Food and Refugee Assistance

India will continue to play a key role in addressing Afghanistan’s food and refugee crises. A fresh consignment of food aid is set to be delivered in Kabul today.EAM also expressed deep concern over the plight of forcibly repatriated Afghan refugees, emphasizing that India will assist in constructing residential facilities for them and continue to provide material aid to help rebuild their lives with dignity.

Expanding Cooperation: Water, Mining, Trade and Education

Beyond immediate humanitarian priorities, both sides are exploring sectoral cooperation. India and Afghanistan will deepen their collaboration in water management and irrigation, and Indian companies have been invited to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan.Jaishankar also welcomed the resumption of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi, describing it as a boost for trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.He reaffirmed India’s commitment to education and capacity building, announcing plans to expand opportunities for Afghan students in Indian universities. India also reiterated its support for Afghan cricket, recognising it as a symbol of resilience and friendship between the two peoples.

Security Cooperation and Shared Challenges

EAM highlighted that India and Afghanistan face a shared threat from cross-border terrorism, urging greater coordination to combat the menace “in all its forms and manifestations.” He thanked the Afghan government for its sensitivity to India’s security concerns and solidarity following the Pahalgam terrorist attack earlier this year.

Commitment to Sovereignty and Regional Stability

Concluding his remarks, Jaishankar reiterated India’s steadfast support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, stressing that closer cooperation between New Delhi and Kabul contributes to both national development and regional stability.“India’s partnership with Afghanistan stands renewed. We remain a committed development partner and a steadfast friend of the Afghan people,” Jaishankar said.On this, Muttaqi said, “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."