The Afghan Embassy in New Delhi Suspends Operations Due to Lack of Support

The Afghan Embassy in India Suspends Operations Citing Lack of Support

New Delhi – In a surprising announcement, the Afghan embassy in India declared that it will suspend its operations due to the “lack of support” from the Indian government and a severe shortage of staff and resources. The embassy, led by Ambassador Farid Mamundzay, stated that it made this difficult decision after careful consideration, taking into account the longstanding ties and friendship between Afghanistan and India.

“It is with profound sadness, regret, and disappointment that the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi announces this decision to cease its operations,” the embassy said in a statement.

The embassy listed several factors that hindered its ability to fulfill its mission effectively. It pointed out that the Indian government’s failure to provide essential support prevented the embassy from carrying out its duties, meeting expectations, and serving Afghanistan’s best interests.

“We acknowledge our shortcomings in meeting the expectations and requirements necessary to serve the best interests of Afghanistan and its citizens due to the lack of diplomatic support in India and the absence of a legitimate functioning government in Kabul,” the embassy statement read.

The embassy also highlighted the adverse impact of unforeseen circumstances, which significantly diminished its personnel and resources, making it increasingly challenging to continue operating.

“The lack of timely and sufficient support, from visa renewals for diplomats to other critical areas of cooperation, led to an understandable frustration among our team and impeded our ability to carry out routine duties effectively,” the statement emphasized.

Furthermore, the embassy recognized the possibility that individuals may receive support and instructions from the Taliban regime in Kabul that differ from the embassy’s current approach.

“The embassy also acknowledges that, given the gravity of this decision, there may be some who receive support and instructions from Kabul that may differ from our current course of action. The Embassy of Afghanistan wishes to make an unequivocal statement regarding the activities of certain consulates. It is our firm belief that any actions taken by these consulates are not in consonance with the objectives of a legitimate or elected government and rather serve the interests of an illegitimate regime,” the statement clarified.

India has not yet recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The country has been demanding the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan and the prevention of Afghan soil being used for terrorist activities against any nation.

This unfortunate development follows a power struggle within the Afghan embassy in Delhi earlier this year when the Taliban reportedly appointed a new head of mission to replace Ambassador Farid Mamundzay. However, the embassy released a statement asserting that there had been no change in its leadership.

The suspension of operations by the Afghan embassy in India is likely to have significant implications for Afghanistan-India relations. It remains to be seen how both countries navigate this challenge and work towards strengthening their ties in the future.