Breaking News: Afghan Embassy’s Sudden Closure of India Operations Follows Taliban Takeover

The Afghanistan Embassy in India has announced its decision to cease operations from October 1, 2023. This move comes as a result of a lack of support from the host government, failure to meet expectations in serving Afghanistan’s interests, and a decrease in personnel and resources. The embassy expressed regret over this decision, noting that it was made after careful consideration and in light of the historic ties between Afghanistan and India. The lack of support from the host government has hindered the embassy’s ability to effectively carry out its duties. Additionally, the embassy acknowledged its shortcomings in meeting expectations and requirements, attributing this to the absence of diplomatic support in India. The reduction in personnel and resources has also posed challenges for the embassy. As a result, the embassy will be closing all operations except for emergency consular services until the transfer of the custodial authority to the host country. It is worth mentioning that the embassy has been led by Ambassador Farid Mamundzay, who has been operating as the Afghan envoy even after the Taliban’s takeover. In the past, the embassy experienced a power struggle when the Taliban reportedly appointed a charge d’affaires, but the embassy stated that there was no change in its leadership. India has yet to recognize the Taliban regime and has been advocating for an inclusive government in Afghanistan that does not support terrorism. The embassy emphasized that its decision to cease operations was made in the best interest of the Afghan people. According to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, all property and facilities of the embassy will be transferred to the host country. The embassy also addressed rumors of internal strife and diplomats seeking asylum, categorically refuting them. It requested the Indian government to consider its requests, including allowing the hoisting of the Afghan flag and facilitating the smooth transition of the mission’s assets to a legitimate government in Kabul. The embassy expressed its belief that actions taken by certain consulates do not align with the objectives of a legitimate government and instead serve the interests of an illegitimate regime. It expressed its eagerness to reach an agreement with the Indian government soon.