New Delhi, Oct 1, 2023: The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi announced today that it is ceasing its operations, effective immediately, citing lack of support from the host government, failure to meet expectations in serving Afghanistan’s interests, and reduction in personnel and resources.
The Embassy expressed its profound sadness, regret, and disappointment over the decision, which it said was made after careful consideration, taking into account the historic ties and long-standing partnership between Afghanistan and India.
The Embassy said that it had experienced a notable absence of crucial support from the host government, which had hindered its ability to carry out its duties effectively. It also acknowledged its 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 also said that due to unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances, there had been a significant reduction in both personnel and resources available to it, making it increasingly challenging to continue operations. The lack of timely and sufficient support from visa renewal for diplomats to other critical areas of cooperation led to an understandable frustration among its team and impeded its ability to carry out routine duties effectively.
Given these circumstances, the Embassy said that it had taken the difficult decision to close all operations of the mission with the exception of emergency consular services to Afghan citizens till the transfer of the custodial authority of the mission to the host country.
The Embassy also clarified that all property and facilities of the Embassy will be transferred to the custodial authority of the host country, in accordance with Article 45 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
The Embassy also refuted any baseless claims regarding internal strife or discord amongst its diplomatic staff or any diplomats using the crisis to seek asylum in a third country. It said that such rumours were unfounded and did not reflect the reality of its mission. It said that it remained a united team working towards the best interests of Afghanistan.
The Embassy also verified the authenticity of an earlier communication with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the intent to close its mission. It said that this communication accurately represented its decision-making process and the factors leading to the closure.
The Embassy also requested the government of India to give serious consideration to the four requests outlined in the official note verbal submitted earlier. Specifically, it emphasized the importance of permitting the hoisting of the Afghan flag over the properties of its premises, as well as facilitating the smooth transition of the mission’s buildings and assets to a legitimate government in Kabul in the future.
The Embassy also acknowledged that, given the gravity of this decision, there may be some who receive support and instructions from Kabul that may differ from its current course of action. It said that it wished to make an unequivocal statement regarding the activities of any such individuals or groups who may attempt to interfere with or undermine its decision. It said that it would not recognize or accept any such interference or undermining, and would consider them as illegal and illegitimate.
The Embassy also expressed its gratitude and appreciation to all those who had supported and cooperated with it during its tenure. It said that it hoped for peace, stability, and prosperity for both Afghanistan and India in the future.
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