India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced on Tuesday that it has upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, with the decision taking immediate effect.

In a statement, the ministry said the move underscores “India’s firm commitment to strengthening bilateral engagement” with Afghanistan’s Taliban in all areas.

The decision to reopen the embassy at full capacity was made during the recent visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi, the statement added.

The ministry said the embassy will play an expanded role in supporting Afghanistan’s development, providing humanitarian assistance, and implementing capacity-building programmes.

India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also confirmed the decision during his recent meeting with Muttaqi, saying New Delhi intends to deepen its engagement with Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, India had maintained only a “technical mission” in Kabul, focusing on humanitarian and development cooperation.