The Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi has announced that it will cease operation from Sunday, 1st October 2023. In a statement, the Embassy said that the decision had been “difficult”, taking into account the historic ties and long-standing partnership between Afghanistan and India
However, the emergency consular services to Afghan citizens will continue till the transfer of the custodial authority of the mission to the host country, it stated.
Mentioned maybe made that the staff at the embassy were appointed by the previous government before the Taliban’s takeover of the country in 2021.
“The Embassy also acknowledges that, given the gravity of this decision, there may be some who receive support and instructions from Kabul that may differ from our current course of action. It is our firm belief that any actions taken by these consulates are not in consonance with the objectives of a legitimate or elected government and rather serve the interests of an illegitimate regime”, the statement said.
The Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi mentioned three primary reasons had compelled its decision including lack of support from the Government of India, failure to meet expectations in serving Afghanistan’s interests and reduction in personnel and resources.
“This step is being taken in the best interest of the people of Afghanistan. In accordance with
In the statement, the Embassy of Afghanistan further gave refuted all claims regarding internal strife or discord amongst its diplomatic staff or any diplomats using the crisis to seek asylum in a third country. Such rumours are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of our mission, it stated.
It also requested the Government of India to give serious consideration to its requests including
permitting the hoisting of the Afghan flag over the properties of our premises, as well as facilitating the smooth transition of the mission’s buildings and assets to a legitimate government in Kabul in the future.
Furthermore, the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi stated that its objective is to uphold the dignity, sovereignty and interest of Afghanistan on the global stage and that its “decision to close the mission in India at this stage is in the best interest of Afghanistan.”
It said that it is keen to reach an agreement with the Indian government at the earliest possible juncture and affirmed that it aims to ensure that the interests of Afghans residing, working, studying, trading, and engaging in various activities in India are duly considered and safeguarded, preserving their interests, honour and dignity. This commitment stems from our deep sense of responsibility towards the Afghan community in India.
