The embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi in a statement on Saturday announced that it is ceasing its operations, effective October 1, 2023.
“It is with profound sadness, regret, and disappointment that the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi announces this decision to cease its operations,” the statement said.
“This decision, while deeply regrettable, is made after careful consideration, taking into account the historic ties and long-standing partnership between Afghanistan and India.”
The embassy named the “key factors” affecting its ability to continue its mission effectively as a “lack of support from the host government, failure to meet expectations in serving Afghanistan’s Interests.”
Nisar Ahmad Shirzai, a political analyst, said that the closure of the embassy is affecting the longstanding relations between Afghanistan and India.
“To solve such problems, there is a need for the formation of an inclusive government. The Taliban should accept the demands of the international community, so the embassies are directly in contact with the capital, and they don’t face problems in their operations,” he said.
The statement of the embassy requested the government of India to facilitate the “smooth transition of the mission’s buildings and assets to a legitimate government in Kabul in the future.”
Meanwhile, Afghan refugees in India voiced concerns, saying that the closure of the embassy will boost the problems of the Afghan refugees in India.
“For example; the issuing of visas, renewal of passports, confirmation of the documents and existing problems with the police, the embassies solves these problems. Closure of the embassy means that our relations with them have ended,” said Feda, an Afghan national in India.
But the Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that the Foreign Ministry is following the issue.
“There are some problems in the embassy in India. The Foreign Ministry has considered this issue and negotiations are underway until the issue is solved and the embassy in coordination with the Foreign Ministry will solve all the consulate issues,” he said.
The Islamic Emirate two months ago, appointed Qadir Shah as its ambassador in New Delhi but he has yet to take the responsibility.—Tolonews
