New Delhi, Nov 7 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday that India has officially transformed its technical mission in Afghanistan into an embassy. New Delhi aims to enhance its operational capabilities, responsibilities, and overall strength in this region.

During a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the recent visit of Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, to India in October, along with the subsequent telephone discussions between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Afghan counterpart.

In response to inquiries regarding reports of a Taliban diplomat being sent to India, Jaiswal stated, "We have had the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan visit India recently. Following that, we have maintained several dialogues concerning developmental cooperation, as well as telephone exchanges between our External Affairs Minister and Afghanistan's Foreign Minister. We will keep you informed on how these developments progress. More details will be shared when available."

Addressing the upgrade of the technical mission in Kabul, he remarked, "We have upgraded our mission to an embassy and are currently reviewing its functionalities, responsibilities, and how to enhance its strength. These considerations are ongoing and will unfold in due course."

On Monday, India provided food aid to families affected by the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, which impacted Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan provinces. This assistance followed a devastating earthquake of magnitude 6.3 that resulted in over 20 fatalities and numerous injuries.

In reaffirming support for the Afghan populace, Jaiswal tweeted, "India delivers food items to families affected by the earthquake."

EAM S. Jaishankar also reached out to Minister Muttaqi to express condolences regarding the earthquake victims. He assured that Indian relief supplies would be distributed to those impacted, with additional provisions to follow.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar wrote, "I spoke with FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi today to express condolences for the loss of life in the recent earthquake. Indian relief materials for affected communities are being distributed today, with further medical supplies to arrive soon."

He added, "We discussed the progress in our bilateral relationship since his visit, welcomed the strengthening of people-to-people connections between India and Afghanistan, and appreciated the exchange of insights regarding regional matters."

Earlier this October, India declared the restoration of its mission in Kabul back to the status of an embassy with immediate effect. The MEA emphasized that this decision reflects India's commitment to enhance its bilateral engagement with Afghanistan in various areas of mutual significance.

The MEA's statement noted, "In line with the recent visit of Afghanistan's Foreign Minister to India, the Government is reinstating the Technical Mission of India in Kabul to that of the Embassy of India in Afghanistan immediately."

"This move underscores India’s commitment to deepen its bilateral engagements with Afghanistan across various sectors of mutual interest. The Embassy in Kabul will further enhance India's contribution to Afghanistan’s comprehensive development, humanitarian aid, and capacity-building efforts, aligning with the priorities and aspirations of the Afghan people," it concluded.