Kabul-Appointed Diplomat Takes Charge of Afghanistan Embassy in Delhi

India handed Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi to a newly appointed diplomat by Kabul on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

India has handed control of Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi to a diplomat appointed by Kabul authorities, signaling deeper pragmatic engagement without formal recognition.

India has handed control of Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi to a Taliban-appointed diplomat, according to multiple reports and recent official engagements, marking a quiet shift in bilateral ties.

Noor Ahmad Noor, introduced by the Taliban as its envoy to India, met Afghan business leaders at the embassy on Thursday, days after his arrival in New Delhi to assume duties as acting head of mission.

According to reports, Noor earlier held talks with Anand Prakash, India’s joint secretary for Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, discussing visa facilitation and challenges faced by Afghan traders and students in India.

India has not formally recognized the Taliban government since it seized power in Kabul in August 2021, but New Delhi has maintained limited engagement to safeguard humanitarian and strategic interests.

India reopened a “technical mission” in Kabul in 2022 and has gradually expanded working-level contacts, particularly on aid delivery, trade links and regional security concerns.

Neither foreign ministry in Kabul nor India’s external affairs ministry has so far officially confirmed Noor’s appointment or the acceptance of his credentials.

However, reports of his meetings and activities suggest India has transferred operational control of the embassy without a formal announcement, reflecting domestic sensitivities and political resistance to openly engaging the Taliban.

While India continues to stop short of official recognition, the embassy handover signals a changing approach, as New Delhi cautiously deepens functional ties with the Taliban amid evolving regional dynamics.

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