Afghanistan finally 'shuts down' its embassy in New Delhi. Here’s why

Afghanistan has announced to permanently close its embassy in New Delhi after over two years of strained efforts to operate under Taliban rule.

Afghanistan shuts down its embassy in New Delhi 

The embassy's official statement said the decision resulted from "persistent challenges from the Indian government" that hindered regular functioning since the Western-backed government collapsed in August 2021. It previously ceased operations on September 30 hoping policies towards the militant Islamist group might shift to enable normal activity.

Press Statement
24th November, 2023

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announces permanent closure in New Delhi.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi regrets to announce the permanent closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi 1/2 pic.twitter.com/VlXRSA0vZ8

— Afghan Embassy India (@AfghanistanInIN) November 24, 2023

"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," the statement said. It denied speculation of internal rifts provoking the move.

Instead, authorities cited "broader changes in policy and interests" between the uneasy neighbours as a rationale for severing the diplomatic channel built over 20 years allied with the former republic.

What now for stranded in Afghan community? 

With no current legitimate Afghan government presence left in India, responsibility for deciding the shuttered embassy's fate rests with New Delhi - including weighing options like formally allowing Taliban-linked personnel to take premises.

The closure raises uncertainty for the sizable Afghan refugee and diaspora population in India that has already halved since the Islamist insurgents captured Kabul. Student visas and trade have steeply declined given the lack of regular bilateral engagement.

As the embassy asserted, "our committed team worked diligently in the most difficult circumstances" for the Afghan community's welfare amid evaporating cooperation from Delhi since militants replaced their recognized government partners.

With the formal diplomatic conduit now collapsed, the onus falls upon Indian authorities to determine whether bridges can still be rebuilt with Afghanistan's current power brokers. Or alternatively, if New Delhi is resigned to ceding influence over its volatile northwest neighbour to strategic rivals.

The embassy expressed gratitude to India for "support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years" while balancing the two sides' divergent political realities. It remains uncertain if residual people-to-people ties can outlast frosty state-level relations.

One representative framed the predicament after exists closed, "The unfortunate end of the Republic mission marks the conclusion of the Afghan Republic in India." What direction the relationship takes next rides on decisions from both capitals shaped by wider regional shifts.

The coming months will determine whether the two countries' split is terminal or a significant but salvageable setback given traditionally close bonds are now shaken by geopolitical realignments.

Afghanistan’s Ambassador to India's stance

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay took to his X account, saying that India has been a steadfast strategic partner of the erstwhile Afghan Republic since 2001.

Given the constant pressure from both the Taliban & the Indian government to relinquish control, the embassy faced a difficult choice.

India has been a steadfast strategic partner of the erstwhile Afghan Republic since 2001, & we acknowledge the limitations & concerns that 4/6

— Farid Mamundzay फरीद मामुन्दजई فرید ماموندزی (@FMamundzay) November 24, 2023

He added “and we acknowledge the limitations & concerns that govern the realm of realpolitik and the balancing act required at a difficult time in a geo-politically sensitive region."

Meanwhile, the embassy also made an “unequivocal statement" stating that certain consulates that work on the instructions and funding from Kabul are not in consonance with the objectives of a legitimate or elected government but rather serve the interests of an “illegitimate regime."

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs refuted all claims that India did not provide support to the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi, days after Afghan diplomats announced that the embassy would cease operations from October 1.