The Taliban regime has appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as its acting ambassador in the Afghan mission in Mumbai. According to Afghan media, this is the first appointment made by the Taliban regime in an Afghan mission in India. Taliban Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai also posted on X and announced the appointment of Kamil as the acting ambassador.

After the Taliban took over in 2021, India withdrew its diplomats from the mission in Kabul, while Afghan diplomats from the embassy in New Delhi left India and took refuge in various Western countries.

The Afghan community in India was facing many problems due to the lack of officials in the embassy. Keeping in mind the interests of Afghan citizens, an ambassador has been appointed by India and the Taliban, who is well aware of India.

The statement of the Ministry of External Affairs said that India is well aware of the new ambassador of the Taliban. Ikramuddin Kamil has studied in India for 7 years on a scholarship from the Ministry of External Affairs. He has obtained a doctorate degree from the South Asia University in New Delhi and has now agreed to work as a diplomat in the Afghan Consulate.

Why was there a need for appointment?

The officials working in the Afghan envoy to India posted during the time of Ashraf Ghani have already left the country. Since the return of the Taliban to Afghanistan, India has not yet recognised the Taliban government, but talks have taken place between India and Taliban officials on many issues. The Taliban official has been appointed keeping in mind the interests of the large number of Afghan people living in India.