External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, announcing the elevation of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to full Embassy status.
He described Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties and reaffirming the nations’ enduring friendship.
In his opening remarks during the meeting, Jaishankar reflected on previous discussions with Muttaqi following the 22 April Pahalgam terrorist attack and the earthquakes in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces.
“India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan. Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development, as well as regional stability and resilience. To enhance that, I am happy to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India,” Jaishankar stated.
Highlighting India’s longstanding engagement in Afghanistan’s development, Jaishankar said the two sides would discuss the upkeep of completed projects. They would also explore strategies for advancing ongoing commitments.
“As a contiguous neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress. Today, I reaffirm our longstanding partnership that has seen so many Indian projects in Afghanistan stand renewed. We can discuss the maintenance and repairs of finished projects as well as steps to complete others to which we have already committed. Beyond that, other development priorities of Afghanistan can discussed by our teams,” he asserted.
Recalling India’s sustained assistance to Afghanistan, Jaishankar announced that India would soon commit to six new development projects.
“India has long extended support for the health security of Afghanistan, including during the Covid pandemic. We are now ready to commit to six new projects, whose details can be announced after the conclusion of our talks. A gift of 20 ambulances is another gesture of goodwill, and I would like to hand over 5 of them to you personally as a symbolic step,” he noted.
The External Minister further added, “India will also provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals and deliver vaccines for immunisation and cancer medicines. We have also supplied drug rehabilitation materials through UNODC and are open to doing more. As a first responder, Indian relief materials were delivered to the earthquake sites within hours of the disaster last month. We would like to contribute to the reconstruction of residences in the affected areas. India has also been a significant provider of food assistance to the Afghan people. A further consignment will delivered in Kabul today.”
EAM Jaishankar drew attention to the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees.
“The plight of forcibly repatriated Afghan refugees is a matter of deep concern. Their dignity and livelihood are important. India agrees to help construct residences for them and continue providing material aid to rebuild their lives,” he affirmed.
The Minister also underlined India and Afghanistan’s shared history of cooperation in water management and irrigation.
“We note the interest on the Afghan side in taking this further and are ready to collaborate on the sustainable management of its water resources,” he noted.
Jaishankar also welcomed Kabul’s invitation to Indian firms to explore mining opportunities in the country.
Jaishankar noted that trade and education remain vital aspects of the bilateral relationship.
Expressing satisfaction at the resumption of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi, he announced expanded opportunities for Afghan students in Indian universities.
“Our educational and capacity-building programmes have long nurtured the Afghan youth. We will expand avenues for Afghan students to pursue studies at Indian universities. Sports is another longstanding connection. The emergence of Afghan cricket talent has been truly impressive. India is glad to deepen its support for Afghan cricket,” the Minister said.
He added that India’s new visa system for Afghan citizens introduced in April 2025. Since then, the number of medical, business, and student visas has increased.
Concluding his remarks, Jaishankar emphasised the need for both nations to work together against terrorism.
“We have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity. However, these are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism that both our nations face. We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We appreciate your sensitivity towards India’s security concerns. Your solidarity with us in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack was noteworthy,” he warned.
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