New Delhi: The Centre on Friday told the Parliament that during the past two years, some Afghan diplomats have left India since they obtained residency in third countries, while the remaining Afghan diplomats based in India have taken over the responsibility for the continued diplomatic functioning of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
This was in reply to a question in Lok Sabha by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and Mahesh Sahoo, on whether the Government has any proposal to reopen the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi.
In response to this, MoS in the Ministry of External Affairs, V Muraleedharan said, "The diplomatic presence of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi and the consulates of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Mumbai and Hyderabad continue to function in India".
"During the past two years, some Afghan diplomats have left India since they obtained residency in third countries. However, the remaining Afghan diplomats based in India have taken over the responsibility for the continued diplomatic functioning of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan", the Minister added.
In response to another question on the current status of India's diplomatic relations with Afghanistan and whether the Government is taking any steps to assist students, traders, and businesses of Afghan origin operating in India, the MoS MEA said, "India's approach to Afghanistan continues to be guided by its historical relations, friendship with its people and relevant UN Resolutions, including UNSCR 2593".
"The India-based personnel of the Embassy in Kabul returned to India in the aftermath of the takeover by the Taliban. Since June 2022, an Indian technical team has been positioned in the Embassy and is active in respect of humanitarian assistance and other situations. India's stance regarding recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is in consonance with that of the international community", V Muraleedharan told Parliament.
India decided to assist the Afghan people by supplying humanitarian aid, he said. "In this endeavour, we have supplied several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 50,000 MTs of wheat, 250 tons of medical aid and 28 tons of earthquake relief aid", MoS MEA added.
