The Afghan embassy in New Delhi has officially announced its permanent closure, effective from November 23, 2023, citing persistent challenges from the Indian government. The decision comes after the embassy's earlier termination of operations on September 30, with hopes that the Indian government's stance would favourably change to allow normal mission operations. The embassy clarified that some might attempt to characterize the move as an internal conflict, but it emphasized that the decision resulted from broader changes in policy and interests, rather than individual diplomatic allegiances. The embassy expressed gratitude to the Afghan citizens in India and noted the decline in the Afghan community over the past two years, with limited new visas issued and a significant reduction in the number of Afghan refugees, students, and traders.
Despite limitations in resources, the embassy asserted that it had worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Afghan community in India and had operated with transparency and accountability. The statement mentioned efforts to secure humanitarian aid, online education scholarships, facilitate trade, and advocate for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan. As of now, there are no diplomats from the Afghan Republic in India, and the fate of the mission rests with the Indian government, which must decide whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban diplomats. The embassy concluded by expressing gratitude to the people of India for their support over the past 22 years and reiterated its commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan.