Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi issues a statement informing the public that operations would cease as of today.

As on October 1, 2023, the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi will no longer be in operation. This decision was made as a consequence of various important circumstances that made it difficult for the embassy to do business properly.

The embassy expressed its profound sadness and displeasure over this choice in a statement, highlighting the longstanding relationships and cooperation between Afghanistan and India. The main reasons given for this “unfortunate closure” were a “lack of support from the host government” and a “failure to meet expectations in serving Afghanistan’s interests.”

The embassy recognized that it had fallen short of expectations, in part because Kabul lacked a legitimately functioning government and India had not provided enough diplomatic assistance. Additionally, unanticipated events resulted in a major loss in both staff and resources, making it harder and harder to do normal tasks, according to PTI.

The statement emphasized the dissatisfaction among the embassy staff over the absence of prompt and adequate assistance, notably for diplomats’ visa renewals and other crucial areas of collaboration. As a consequence, the embassy has made the decision to cease all activities up to the completion of the transfer of custodial power to the host nation, with the exception of emergency consular assistance to Afghan nationals.

The embassy has been led by Ambassador Farid Mamundzay, who was chosen by the previous Ashraf Ghani administration and kept up his position even after the Taliban took control in Afghanistan. The embassy had previously had a power struggle due to rumors that the Taliban had appointed a charge d’affaires, but it subsequently made it clear that its leadership had not changed.

India has opposed the establishment of an inclusive administration in Kabul and refused to acknowledge the Taliban’s current leadership, while also stressing that no terrorist attacks should be carried out on Afghan territory against any nation.

The embassy emphasized that its choice is in the best interests of the Afghan people and that all property and facilities would be given to the host nation’s custodial authority in compliance with international standards.

In response to rumors, the embassy vehemently denied accusations of internal conflict or diplomats seeking refuge in another nation, insisting that they are still a unified team working for Afghanistan’s best interests.

The embassy also asked the Indian government to take into account four demands made in an earlier letter, including allowing the Afghan flag to fly over diplomatic buildings and ensuring a seamless transfer of assets to a future legitimate administration in Kabul.

The embassy concluded by emphasizing its desire to work with the Indian government as soon as feasible and its conviction that certain consular operations conflict with the goals of an Afghan government that is legitimate and elected.