NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Friday announced India would upgrade the Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of embassy during the bilateral talks with Afghanistan’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.“I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India. India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan,” Jaishankar said.
He further said: “Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development, as well as regional stability and resilience. To enhance that, I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India.” Jaishankar also appreciated Afghanistan’s invitation to Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in the Taliban-ruled nation. “Your invitation to Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan is also deeply appreciated. This can be discussed further. We have a shared interest in boosting trade and commerce. I am glad to note the commencement of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi,” Jaishankar said during a bilateral meeting.Afghanistan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Kabul would increase its engagements and exchanges with New Delhi and would “not allow any group to use our territory against others”.“I am happy to be in Delhi, and this visit will increase the understanding between the two countries. India and Afghanistan should increase their engagements and exchanges…We will not allow any group to use our territory against others,” Muttaqi said.He also called India a “close friend” for helping Afghanistan during the recent earthquake, saying Kabul wants “relations based on mutual respect, trade and people-to-people relations”. “In the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, India was the first responder. Afghanistan looks at India as a close friend. Afghanistan wants relations based on mutual respect, trade and people-to-people relations. We are ready to create a consultative mechanism of understanding, which helps towards strengthening our relations,” Muttaqi said.
