Afghanistan suspends embassy operations in India, cites lack of support and resources

New Delhi: The Afghan embassy in India has announced the suspension of its operations, citing a "lack of support" from the Indian government, resource shortages, and its inability to meet the expectations in serving Afghanistan's interests.

In a statement, the embassy expressed profound sadness and disappointment over this decision, emphasising the long-standing ties and friendship between Afghanistan and India.

The embassy, led by Ambassador Farid Mamundzay, who was appointed by the Ashraf Ghani government and continued in his role despite the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, listed several "factors" that contributed to the closure. It accused the Indian government of failing to provide essential support, which hindered the embassy's ability to carry out its duties effectively.

"We acknowledge our shortcomings in meeting the expectations and requirements necessary to serve the best interests of Afghanistan and its citizens due to the lack of diplomatic support in India and the absence of a legitimate functioning government in Kabul," the embassy statement read.

The embassy noted that unforeseen circumstances had significantly reduced its personnel and resources, making it increasingly challenging to continue operations.

"The lack of timely and sufficient support, from visa renewal for diplomats to other critical areas of cooperation, led to understandable frustration among our team and impeded our ability to carry out routine duties effectively," the statement explained.

The embassy also recognised that, due to the gravity of its decision, some individuals might receive support and instructions from the Taliban regime in Kabul that differ from the embassy's current approach.

"The embassy also acknowledges that, given the gravity of this decision, there may be some who receive support and instructions from Kabul that may differ from our current course of action. The Embassy of Afghanistan wishes to make an unequivocal statement regarding the activities of certain consulates. It is our firm belief that any actions taken by these consulates are not in consonance with the objectives of a legitimate or elected government and rather serve the interests of an illegitimate regime," the statement said.

India has not officially recognised the Taliban government in Afghanistan and has called for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan while preventing the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against any country.

The Afghan embassy in Delhi faced a power struggle in April-May 2023 when the Taliban reportedly appointed a new head of mission to replace Ambassador Farid Mamundzay. However, the embassy issued a statement asserting that its leadership had not changed.