In a recent development reflecting the tumultuous changes in Afghanistan, the embassy of the previous Afghan government in India has suspended all operations.
This move comes as senior diplomats, including Ambassador Farid Mamundzay, sought asylum in Europe and the United States after financial struggles plagued the embassy for two years and diplomatic shuffle.
Afghan officials seek asylum
Diplomatic sources have revealed that Ambassador Farid Mamundzay, who served as a representative of the previous US-backed Afghan government, relocated to London several months ago and has not returned.
Meanwhile, at least five other senior Afghan diplomats have left India for asylum in Western countries.
These developments have left the embassy in a precarious position, with sources indicating that it is expected to close this month due to a lack of funds.
India's diplomatic role
India has maintained a cautious approach in its diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.
While India does not officially recognise the Taliban government, it had allowed the ambassador and mission staff appointed by the ousted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's Western-backed administration to issue visas and manage trade matters.
As a result of the embassy's closure, the Indian government will assume caretaker responsibilities for the diplomatic compound.
When contacted about these developments, an Indian foreign ministry official in New Delhi stated that they were actively investigating the situation but did not provide further details.
Taliban's response
The response from Taliban officials in Kabul to the closure of the Afghan embassy in India remains unclear at this time, as they were not immediately available for comment.
The situation has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the diplomatic ties between Afghanistan and India, with regional and global implications.
