The interim Afghan Taliban government has appointed its first senior official in India since the group returned to power in 2021, charging him with leading their embassy in Delhi.
India has yet to officially recognize the Taliban government, but the move signals a deepening engagement, as the two states move closer together amidst persistent tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. According to a statement, Taliban foreign ministry official Noor Ahmad Noor has assumed responsibility as charge d’affaires, and has already held meetings with Indian officials.
“Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening Afghanistan-India relations,” the Afghan Embassy said, sharing a photograph of Noor with senior Indian foreign ministry official Anand Prakash.
The appointment is significant for the Afghan Taliban, who have sought to reclaim control over Afghanistan’s overseas diplomatic missions as part of a broader push for international legitimacy.
In October, India said it would upgrade its technical mission in Afghanistan to a full embassy.