Afghan embassy in New Delhi to resume operations in next few days: Stanikzai

Afghan embassy in New Delhi will resume operations in next few days, Deputy Foreign Minister in Taliban set up, Sher Mohamm Abbas Stanikzai, has said. Stanikzai told Afghan brocaster RTA that officials at Afghan consulates in Hyderab and Mumbai have visited embassy following instruction from Kabul.

Taliban leer said Afghanistan wants good relations with neighbouring countries. His comments about resuming operations at Afghan embassy came days after mission under control of Ambassor Farid Mamundzay announced its permanent closure, citing "persistent challenges from Indian government".

Mamundzay, appointed by previous Ashraf Ghani government in Kabul, has been out of India for last few months. On Friday, embassy announced its permanent closure. diplomats at embassy appointed by previous government h announced on September 30 too that mission is ceasing its operations from October 1, alleging a "lack of support from host government".

In April-May, Afghan embassy was rocked by a power struggle in wake of reports of Taliban-appointed charge d'affaires to he mission replacing Mamundzay. Following episode, embassy came out with a statement that re was no change in its leership.

tussle for power h erupted after Qir Shah, who was working as tre councillor at embassy since 2020, wrote to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in late April claiming that he h been appointed as charge d'affaires at embassy by Taliban.

India has not yet recognised Taliban set up and has been pitching for formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul besides insisting that Afghan soil must not be used for any terrorist activities against any country.