India is set to deepen its engagement with Afghanistan by upgrading its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy. This significant decision, announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, signals India's commitment to fostering stronger ties with Afghanistan.

The move to upgrade the diplomatic mission reflects India's continued support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. This development follows the closure of the Indian embassy in Kabul in 2021 after the Taliban's takeover. In June 2022, India sent a technical team to Kabul to coordinate humanitarian assistance and assess the situation.

The Taliban administration has welcomed India's decision to upgrade its diplomatic presence, with a spokesperson for the Afghan Foreign Ministry stating that the move would strengthen relations between the two countries and lead to the completion of unfinished projects and the commencement of new ones.

During the meeting between Jaishankar and Muttaqi, discussions also covered expanding cooperation on water management and irrigation, areas of historical collaboration between the two nations. Jaishankar also reaffirmed India's support for education and capacity building, announcing expanded opportunities for Afghan students to study in India. Furthermore, he lauded the rise of Afghan cricket and expressed India's willingness to increase its support for sports in Afghanistan.

To facilitate travel and strengthen people-to-people connections, plans are underway to increase the number of flights between Kabul and New Delhi. These flights will also aid trade and the delivery of humanitarian aid. In April 2025, India introduced a new visa module for Afghan citizens, resulting in an increase in visa issuances across medical, business, and student categories.

Recognizing shared security concerns, Jaishankar emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to combat cross-border terrorism. He acknowledged Afghanistan's support following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

India's engagement with Afghanistan is viewed by some as a message to Pakistan regarding its influence in Afghan affairs, highlighting the Taliban's desire to maintain independence and leverage traditional ties with various countries. This approach aligns with the Taliban's broader efforts to expand its diplomatic footprint beyond Pakistan and China.