Afghanistan Announced Permanent Closure Of Embassy In India (image-twitter/afganinIN)
The Afghanistan Embassy has announced its permanent closure in New Delhi on Friday. They have released an official statement listing out the reason for the decision. The closure will be effective from November 24, 2023, the statement read.
The embassy said that its was “cognizant”as some may try to portray the move as an internal conflict, allegedly involving diplomats who switched allegiance to the Thaliban, adding “that this decision is a result of border changes in policy and interests”.
Effective from 23 Nov 23,owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government.The decision follows the embassy’s earlier cessation of operations on 30 Sep 23,a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally.
— Afghan Embassy India (@AfghanistanInIN) November 24, 2023
The embassy thanked the Afghan citizens in India for understanding and supporting throughout their mission tenure. Despite facing limitation in resources and power, the embassy said that they have worked tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul. In the statement, they also pointed out the decline in the Afghan community in India as the Afghan refugees, students and traders opting to leave the country over the past two years. The number has halved since August 2021.
“We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India,” it added.
The Afghan embassy further stated that efforts have been taken to tarnish their image and hinder diplomatic efforts inorder to justify the presence and work of Taliban-appointed and affiliated diplomats.
“In the face of these challenges, our committed team worked diligently in the most difficult circumstances, prioritizing the interests of the 40 million Afghans in every possible sphere from securing humanitarian aid and online education scholarships to facilitating ease in trade and advocating for the formation of a broad-based government,” the statement added.
They also asserted that they have exerted diplomatic pressure in its power on those who defy the will of the Afghan people by failing to form an inclusive government and denying millions of girls the right to attend school.
All the Afghan diplomats who served in the national capital has safely reached the third country. And the diplomats now which are left in India are diplomats affiliated to Taliban.
The embassy has handed over the mission to India and now the Indian government could decide whether to accept the closure or suggest any alterantives, “including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban”.
The Afghan Republic in India has served 22 years in India. “We reiterate our commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan and will continue to explore avenues to support our nation in these challenging times,” the statement concluded.
On October 1, the Afghanistan embassy released a statement announcing its decision to cease its operation, citing lack of support and failing to meet Afghanistan’s interests by Taliban regime.
It is with profound sadness, regret, and disappointment that the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi announces this decision to cease its operations. This decision, while deeply regrettable, is made after careful consideration, taking into account the historic ties and long-
— Afghan Embassy India (@AfghanistanInIN) September 30, 2023
