Afghan diplomats appointed by the previous Afghan government have notified Indian authorities of their intention to shutter the embassy in New Delhi. The decision comes as a result of what they perceive as a lack of “diplomatic consideration and systemic support.” This development has raised concerns over the future of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The Afghan diplomats conveyed their decision to India’s external affairs ministry through a note verbale, a form of unsigned diplomatic communication, on September 25. In the document, they cited the absence of support in response to “legitimate requests” from the embassy over the past six months.
Key Highlights:
- Silent Indian Response: As of now, Indian officials have not issued an immediate response to the Afghan embassy’s decision to cease operations by the end of September 2023.
- Diplomatic Absences: The Afghan ambassador appointed by the Ashraf Ghani government, Farid Mamundzay, has been absent from India for several months. Additionally, there has been a gradual departure of Afghan diplomats to third countries after receiving asylum. Reports also suggest internal conflicts among embassy personnel.
- Political Intrigue: The closure of the Afghan embassy coincides with efforts by individuals in New Delhi reportedly aligned with the Taliban in Kabul to take control of the mission. Such efforts have been observed in recent days.
- Taliban Influence: Senior Taliban figures on social media platforms have indicated that Afghan consulate heads in Mumbai and Hyderabad, appointed by the previous Ghani government, are now collaborating with the Taliban administration in Kabul.
- Diminished Significance: The note verbale from the Afghan diplomats noted that the embassy’s importance had been “systematically diminished” since the reopening of the Indian embassy in Kabul in June 2022. It highlighted a lack of action and limited support regarding education initiatives, consular services, and assistance for Afghan traders.
- Challenges Faced: Afghan diplomats pointed out an increasingly untenable situation due to threats to their families in Afghanistan by the Taliban and perceived lack of support from India.
The note verbale also called on the Indian side to take “custodial responsibility of the Afghan diplomatic mission properties” in New Delhi and Mumbai, as well as financial accounts, including the Indian Afghanistan Fund. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Article 45, stipulates the protection of mission premises in the event of diplomatic personnel recall.
Furthermore, the Afghan diplomats requested exit permits from the Indian external affairs ministry for the remaining Afghan diplomats and their families, believed to number fewer than five, to depart India.
India has not officially recognized the Taliban regime and has advocated for an inclusive government in Kabul and the protection of the rights of women, children, and minorities. However, New Delhi has discreetly engaged with key Taliban leaders to safeguard its security interests.
In a global context, several former Afghan diplomats have closed embassies in most world capitals, with missions in select countries, including Pakistan and China, being handed over to Taliban representatives.
News Summary: Afghan diplomats have notified Indian authorities of their intention to close the Afghan embassy in New Delhi due to a perceived lack of diplomatic support. The decision comes amid prolonged absences of Afghan officials and increasing asylum-seeking departures. It also coincides with reported attempts by individuals in New Delhi with ties to the Taliban in Kabul to assume control of the embassy. The closure raises questions about the future of diplomatic relations between India and Afghanistan, as well as the fate of Afghan mission properties in India.