Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi to close due to lack of MEA support

NEW DELHI: The Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi is allegedly planning to cease its operation due to lack of support from Indian government.

According to international media, Ambassador Farid Mamundzay appointed during the previous Ghani Government, has been stationed in London for several months. Meanwhile, a majority of the other diplomats from the mission have been granted asylum in various Western countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The Indian media reported that the decision to close the embassy, conveyed through an unsigned Note Verbale to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) this week, specifying the closure to take effect at the end of September.

As per the reports, the note highlighted that New Delhi declined multiple request letters seeking assistance and visas for approximately 3,000 Afghan students slated to travel to India in 2021, but who had not received the necessary travel documents.

Furthermore, the note indicated that despite the opening of India’s mission in Kabul in June 2022, the Afghan Embassy, which pledged allegiance to the previous Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, did not receive the expected “diplomatic regard and friendly considerations.”

According to The Hindu, the embassy also appealed to India to safeguard Afghan deposits in India and the India-Afghanistan Fund, following the Vienna Convention protocol for diplomatic relations. Additionally, it requested assistance for the remaining diplomats and their families in obtaining exit permits.

Nevertheless, the Indian MEA has not issued any official statement on the matter so far.