In a major step to deepen diplomatic ties with the Taliban-run nation, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar announced Friday that his country will reopen its embassy in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, which was closed four years ago.
After the Taliban took over after US-led NATO forces left Kabul in 2021, India shuttered its embassy there. However, a year later, it reopened a tiny presence to help humanitarian aid, trade, and medical assistance.
Although only Russia has officially recognized the Taliban government, Kabul is home to embassies from about a dozen nations, including Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran, and Turkey.