Afghanistan’s embassy in India on Friday announced the “permanent” closure of its operations, citing “continued challenges faced by the Government of India”.
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
— Former Afghan Embassy in India (@AfghanistanInIN) November 24, 2023
The Afghan Embassy had announced on September 30 that it was closing its operations from October 1. At that time the mission had said that this step was taken due to lack of support from the Indian government, failure to meet expectations in serving the interests of Afghanistan and lack of personnel and resources.
Press Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 30th September, 2023
Afghanistan is closing its Embassy in New Delhi.
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi regrets to announce the decision to cease its operations, effective October 1, 2023. pic.twitter.com/BXesWPdLFP— Former Afghan Embassy in India (@AfghanistanInIN) September 30, 2023
The embassy said in a statement on Friday that it regretfully announces the permanent closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi “due to the continuing challenges faced by the Government of India”.
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.
— Former Afghan Embassy in India (@AfghanistanInIN) November 24, 2023
“This decision has been taken after the embassy ceases operations on September 30, 2023,” the statement said. This step was taken in the hope that there will be a favorable change in the attitude of the Government of India towards normal operation of the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi.
The Afghan Embassy said that despite a wait of eight weeks, the objectives of extension of visas for diplomats and change in the conduct of the Indian government unfortunately could not be achieved.
“Given continued pressure from both the Taliban and the Indian government to relinquish control, the embassy had to make a difficult choice,” it said.
The Mission said that at present the Afghan Republic does not have an embassy in India. He said that the personnel serving at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan have reached other countries safely.
The statement said India now has only Taliban-linked diplomats who appear to be attending their regular online meetings. The Mission said that the diplomats of the Afghan Republic have completely handed over the Mission to the Government of India.