The Taliban government in Afghanistan has formally requested the Modi administration to transfer control of the Afghan embassy in New Delhi to its representatives. This development follows high-level diplomatic engagement between India and the Taliban, marking the first direct discussions between the two sides since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021.
During a recent meeting in Dubai, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, signaling India’s willingness to explore bilateral relations and cooperation. Reports suggest that India is also considering expanding trade discussions, including the use of Iran’s Chabahar port to facilitate connectivity with Afghanistan.
The Taliban has submitted a new list of proposed diplomats for appointment in New Delhi, which includes Najib Shaheen, the son of Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban’s representative in Doha, Qatar. This move comes as the Afghan embassy in New Delhi has remained non-operational since November 2024, following the departure of Afghan diplomats appointed before the Taliban takeover.
India is carefully evaluating the Taliban’s request and has not yet provided a formal response. Shinkai Karokhail, Afghanistan’s former ambassador to Canada, has stated that New Delhi is unlikely to outright reject the Taliban’s demand but will be highly selective in recognizing diplomatic nominees. Concerns over the Taliban’s close ties with Pakistan’s intelligence and military establishment are also expected to factor into India’s decision-making process.
Meanwhile, India is reportedly considering reopening its embassy in Kabul, which has remained closed since August 2021 following the Taliban’s return to power. Currently, Afghanistan maintains two consulates in India, located in Mumbai and Hyderabad. The Mumbai consulate is overseen by Ikramuddin Kamil, a Taliban-appointed diplomat and a graduate of South Asian University in India.
India’s future diplomatic approach toward the Taliban remains uncertain, but New Delhi is expected to tread cautiously, balancing regional security concerns with strategic interests in Afghanistan.