In an unexpected turn of events, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s Embassy in New Delhi has formally closed its doors, effective October 1, 2023, leaving a diplomatic space that exposes the deteriorating ties between the ousted Afghan government and Indian authorities. The embassy’s decision, revealed in an emotional letter, cites numerous issues, including a lack of support from the host government, a failure to achieve expectations in serving Afghanistan’s interests, and a reduction in staff and resources.
Closure of Afghanistan’s Embassy in New Delhi
The embassy’s shutdown comes after Ambassador Farid Mamundzay and top officials, who were appointed by the government that was overthrown by the Taliban in 2021, fled to Europe and the United States in September to seek refuge, leaving the mission in uncertainty. India had allowed the diplomats to remain in position because it did not recognise the Taliban government, but the lack of critical backing from the Indian government, along with pressure from both the Taliban and Indian authorities, prompted the embassy’s difficult decision.
Despite an eight-week wait, the embassy’s goals, which included visa extensions for diplomats and a change in the Indian government’s behaviour, were not met. In a statement, the leaving ambassador expressed great sadness for the relentless pressure he endured from both the Taliban and the Indian government, which finally led to the embassy’s closure. Notably, the statement made no mention of the status of Afghan consulates in other Indian cities, casting doubt on the future of diplomatic representation.
Lack of Support, Shortcomings, and Reduction in Resources
As the previous government’s Afghan diplomats announced the closing of the embassy in New Delhi, the Afghan consul general in Mumbai and the acting consul general in Hyderabad stepped in to reassure the Afghan community. They assured Afghan nationals that consular services would not be disrupted and asked them to reject “fraudulent” correspondence from diplomats residing abroad, emphasising their lack of control over the Afghanistan embassy’s internal issues.
The closure news is a setback to Afghanistan’s historic links and long-standing friendship with India. The embassy’s letter described the difficulties encountered, including a lack of critical assistance from the host government, failures to achieve goals, and a decline in personnel and resources. These problems, added to a lack of diplomatic support in India and the absence of a genuine working government in Kabul, made it increasingly difficult to maintain successful operations.
The embassy stated its commitment to defending the ideas of democracy, legitimacy, and Afghan people’s well-being. It emphasised that the decision to end the mission was decided in the best interests of Afghanistan, taking historical events and current circumstances into account. The embassy is attempting to reach an agreement with the Indian government to ensure that the interests of Afghans in India are properly recognised and protected, particularly in light of recent events.
Afghan Diplomats Extend Thanks to India Amid Closure
In the midst of this diplomatic dilemma, the Afghan ambassador and embassy’s diplomats extended their gratitude to the people of India for their support over the past 22 years. They reiterated their commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan, expressing a keen interest in reaching an agreement with the Indian government while ensuring the Afghan community’s concerns and aspirations remain a top priority.
The closure of the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi marks a significant chapter in the diplomatic relations between the two nations, raising questions about the future of Afghan representation in India and the broader implications for diplomatic ties in the region.