Voice 9, New Delhi Bureau: The Embassy of the Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan announces permanent closure in New Delhi. Releasing an official statement on the closure of its
diplomatic mission in New Delhi, the Afghan embassy said, The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan in New Delhi regrets to announce the permanent closure of its
diplomatic mission in New Delhi, effective from 23 November 2023, owing to
persistent challenges from the Indian government.
It also said, India has been a steadfast strategic
partner of the erstwhile Afghan Republic since 2001, and we acknowledge the
limitations and concerns that govern the realm of realpolitik and the balancing
act required at a difficult time in a geo-politically sensitive region.
Therefore, we firmly believe that the decision to close the mission in India at
this stage and to transfer of the custodial authority of the mission to the
host country is in the best interest of Afghanistan.
To the Afghan citizens in India, we extend our sincere
gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission's tenure.
Despite limitations in resources and power, we have worked tirelessly for their
betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul. Over the
past two years and
three months, the Afghan community in India
has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and
traders leaving the country. The number has nearly halved since August 2021,
with very limited new visas being issued during this period.
As of now, there are no diplomats from the
Afghan Republic in India. Those who served in the national capital have safely
reached third countries, the embassy informed through its release, adding that
the only individuals present in India are diplomats affiliated with the
Taliban, visibly attending their regular online meetings.
"The
diplomats of the Afghan Republic have handed over the mission solely to the
Indian government. It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate
of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives,
including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats. The
responsibility of diplomats appointed by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
has officially come to an end. The unfortunate end of the Republic mission
marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India," it added.
The closure of its operations by the Afghan embassy was announced on November 1, with the Taliban regime being cited for "lack of resources" and "failure to meet Afghanistan's interests."
