NEW DELHI: With the Afghanistan embassy in Delhi effectively shut, the Taliban are pushing India for the appointment of their own diplomat here to handle relations with India. India hasn’t officially recognised the dispensation in Kabul but it reopened its embassy last year and has worked with local officials for distribution of humanitarian aid.
Most of the Afghan diplomats appointed by the previous Ashraf Ghani government in Delhi, including ‘ambassador’ Farid Mamundzay, left India months ago, seeking asylum in western countries.
A Taliban source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told TOI that it’s important for the Taliban to have their own official in India to build trust with India.
“There are thousands of Afghanistan students who study in India and need visas and other consular services. In addition to that, thousands of Afghan citizens seek medical treatment in India, this requires that there should be some one who is trusted and connected with foreign ministry in Kabul and efficiently tackle the issue,” official said.
Most of the Afghan diplomats appointed by the previous Ashraf Ghani government in Delhi, including ‘ambassador’ Farid Mamundzay, left India months ago, seeking asylum in western countries.
A Taliban source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told TOI that it’s important for the Taliban to have their own official in India to build trust with India.
“There are thousands of Afghanistan students who study in India and need visas and other consular services. In addition to that, thousands of Afghan citizens seek medical treatment in India, this requires that there should be some one who is trusted and connected with foreign ministry in Kabul and efficiently tackle the issue,” official said.
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