The Embassy of Afghanistan in India announced that it will be shutting operations effective from October 1. According to the statement issued by the embassy, the decision had to be taken due to 'lack of resources' and 'failure to meet Afghanistan's interests' by the Taliban regime.
The embassy also made an 'unequivocal statement' staing that certain consulates that work on the instruction and funding from Kabul are not in consonance with the objectives of a legitimate or elected government, but serve the interests of an 'illegitimate regime'.
The Afghan Embassy's statement released in the early hours of Sunday read, "It is with profound sadness, regret, and disappointment that the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi announces this decision to cease its operations. This decision, while deeply regrettable, is made after careful consideration, taking into account the historic ties and longstanding partnership between Afghanistan and India."
In accordance with Article 45 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), all property and facilities of the embassy will be transferred to the custodial authority of the host country, the embassy further stated.
The release from the embassy stated, "We request the government of India to give serious consideration to the four requests outlined in the official note verbale submitted earlier," adding, “The Embassy of Afghanistan wishes to make an unequivocal statement regarding the activities of certain consulates. It is our firm belief that any actions taken by these consulates are not in consonance with the objectives of a legitimate or elected government and rather serve the interests of an illegitimate regime."
The Afghan Embassy also mentioned that it remains committed to uphold the ideas of democracy, legitimacy, and the well-being of the Afghan people. "We will continue to fulfil our commitment to represent Afghanistan diligently fulfilling the obligations entrusted to us by the esteemed people of Afghanistan while adhering to the principles of international diplomacy and in compliance with the established laws and regulations," the release further mentioned.
The embassy has said that it has to take the decision as a "lack of support" from the host government, failure to meet expectations in the interest of Afghanistan and reduction in its personnel and resources.
"The Afghan ambassador and the embassy's diplomats also extended their heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and to the Government of India for their assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years," the release added.
