On Friday, the Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi declared its permanent closure.
The Afghan embassy declared in an official statement that it was closing its diplomatic presence in New Delhi and it stated, "Effective from November 23, 2023 owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government. The decision follows the embassy's earlier cessation of operations on September 30, a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally."
The embassy stated that it was 'cognisant' that some could try to paint this action as an internal dispute among diplomats who supposedly defected to the Taliban, further adding “that this decision is a result of broader changes in policy and interests".
"To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission's tenure," it added.
The embassy stated that there has been a significant decline in the Afghan community in India during the past 27 months. Since August 2021, the number of Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the nation has decreased by around 50%. The statement emphasised that only a few new visas had been issued during this time.
The Afghan embassy said it has worked “tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul," Despite "limitations in resources and power."
"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 stated further in its statement that, "unfortunately, efforts have been made to tarnish our image and hinder diplomatic efforts in order 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 embassy has indicated that there aren't any representatives of the Afghan Republic in India at the moment. Successful transfers to third countries have been made by diplomats stationed in the nation's capital.
The embassy also made it clear that the only people in India are diplomats who are associated with the Taliban and actively attend 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.
"We have considered the historic events and current circumstances carefully in arriving at this conclusion. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years. 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.
(Photo: AP)
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