Afghanistan has announced the permanent closure of its embassy in New Delhi, giving "persistent challenges from the Indian government" as the reason for the same. The decision follows the halt of embassy operations on September 30 that Afghanistan made "made in the hope that the Indian government's stance would evolve favorably for the normal continuation of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan 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, effective from 23 November 2023, owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government," the embassy said in a statement.
The embassy said despite an eight-week wait, the objectives of visa extension for diplomats and a shift in the Indian government's conduct were not "realised". "Given the constant pressure from both the Taliban and the Indian government to relinquish control, the embassy faced a difficult choice," it said.
"India has been a steadfast strategic partner of the erstwhile Afghan Republic since 2001, and we acknowledge the limitations and concerns that govern the realm of realpolitik and the balancing act required at a difficult time in a geo-politically sensitive region. Therefore, we firmly believe that the decision to close the mission in India at this stage and to transfer of the custodial authority of the mission to the host country is in the best interest of Afghanistan," the statement read.
It extended its gratitude and support to the Afghan citizens in India for "their understanding and support throughout our mission's tenure."
"Despite limitations in resources and power, we have worked tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul. Over the past two years and three months, the Afghan community in India has witnessed a significant decline, with Afghan refugees, students, and traders leaving the country. The number has nearly halved since August 2021, with very limited new visas being issued during this period," the embassy said.