The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday that the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi, along with the consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad, remains operational. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi clarified during his weekly media briefing that the embassy represents the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, emphasizing that India's stance on the entities' status has not changed despite the ongoing situation.
Responding to queries about whether the embassy's diplomats represent the previous government or the Taliban, Bagchi assured that Afghan diplomats would continue providing services to Afghan nationals in India. India has yet to recognize the Taliban setup, advocating for the establishment of an inclusive government in Kabul and urging that Afghan soil should not be used for terrorist activities against any country.
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The embassy, led by Ambassador Farid Mamundzay, had previously announced its permanent closure, attributing it to "persistent challenges from the Indian government." However, recent developments suggest that the closure might be linked to internal power struggles, with approximately 20 diplomats reportedly leaving India and seeking asylum in the West. Mamundzay has been in London since June, and the oversight of embassy operations in New Delhi has shifted to Afghan Consul General in Mumbai, Zakia Wardrak.
