New Delh – In a recent development, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly denied allegations made by the Embassy of Afghanistan regarding inadequate support. The Afghan diplomats had earlier announced the suspension of embassy operations from October 1, citing a “notable absence of crucial support from the host government.”
In a press statement, the Afghan embassy expressed frustration, stating, “The lack of timely and sufficient support, including visa renewals for diplomats and other essential cooperation areas, has hindered our ability to carry out routine duties effectively.”
Contrary to these claims, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, during a press conference, asserted that the statements from the Afghan embassy were not supported by factual evidence. He emphasized that the Afghan embassy in New Delhi continues to function, and there is ongoing communication between Indian officials and Afghan diplomats, both in the embassy and the consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad.
This situation arises after months of tension surrounding the status of Afghanistan’s diplomatic representation in India. Notably, the embassy in Delhi represents the now-Taliban-controlled Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, while India has not officially recognized the Taliban regime.
Despite the embassy’s impending closure announcement, the Consul-General in Mumbai has affirmed the consulate’s continued operations. In response, the embassy in New Delhi accused these consulates of serving the interests of an “illegitimate” regime.
In addition to this, Bagchi touched upon the ongoing diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, reiterating India’s call for parity in the strength of diplomatic missions between the two nations. While acknowledging that this might lead to a reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats in India, he did not provide specifics, raising questions about the impact on Indian students and professionals seeking Canadian visas.
As this diplomatic discourse unfolds, it remains a topic of international interest and concern.
