India to Reopen Embassy in Kabul, Says Jaishankar — Taliban Assures No Anti-India Activities from Afghan Soil

India and Afghanistan have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations through constructive dialogue, with both sides expressing intent to resume cooperation across multiple development projects. During a high-level meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, discussions centered on regional security, counterterrorism, trade, and the restoration of diplomatic presence in Kabul.

 

Muttaqi conveyed Afghanistan’s commitment to ensuring that its soil would not be used for any activities against India. He described India as a “close friend” and emphasized that Afghanistan seeks positive and long-term relations rooted in mutual respect and development partnership.

 

Dr. Jaishankar expressed India’s readiness to reopen its embassy in Kabul, marking a significant step toward re-establishing formal diplomatic engagement disrupted in recent years. The two ministers also discussed initiating six new development projects aimed at rebuilding essential infrastructure and supporting the Afghan people.

 

India and Afghanistan Join Hands Against Terrorism

A key highlight of the dialogue was India’s call for a united front against terrorism in the region. Both ministers underscored the importance of stability and denounced the use of terrorism as a tool of state policy.
 

Without naming Pakistan directly, India reiterated that nations sheltering or supporting terror groups must be held accountable. Jaishankar emphasized that regional peace and prosperity can only be achieved when terrorism and cross-border militancy are fully eliminated.

 

Muttaqi acknowledged India’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and economic stability, stating that Afghanistan does not wish to be drawn into proxy conflicts.

 

Expanding Educational and Cultural Cooperation

The meeting also explored ways to expand academic and cultural exchanges between the two nations. India expressed willingness to increase scholarship opportunities for Afghan students and enhance people-to-people connections through educational, technological, and humanitarian initiatives.

 

Jaishankar assured that India remains committed to the welfare of the Afghan people and to supporting initiatives that strengthen Afghanistan’s sovereignty and self-reliance.

 

A Renewed Partnership Based on Trust

Both sides agreed to foster cooperation in trade, capacity building, and regional connectivity projects. The talks reflected a mutual understanding that peace, stability, and development in Afghanistan are in the shared interest of both nations.

 

By reviving diplomatic engagement and renewing developmental partnerships, India and Afghanistan are signaling a new chapter in their long-standing relationship, guided by trust, friendship, and a shared vision for regional stability.