Is Modi govt planning to reopen embassy in Kabul?

Is India reopening its Embassy in Afghanistan? According to a source-based report in The Indian Express New Delhi is exploring the possibility of reopening its embassy in Kabul soon, but without top-level diplomatic representation.

The report quoting unnamed sources said that a team of security officials flew to Kabul in February to assess the ground situation.

Stating that it would not mean a recognition of the Taliban regime, the sources told the newspaper that the embassy will likely function only with personnel for liaison purposes that may extend to consular services.

The Indian security team that visited Kabul in February would have sought travel clearances from Taliban, and according to the newspaper's sources, met officials in the Taliban government.

While the Taliban have said more than once in recent months that they would provide a secure environment for India to reopen its mission, India would be looking for solid guarantees from the regime on this front.

India shut down its embassy in Kabul on August 17, two days after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. The Pakistan, Chinese and Russian and Iranian missions did not shut down during the chaos of the Taliban takeover.

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