The Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi emerges as the center of a power struggle between the previous Afghan democratic government and the Taliban regime, as Taliban has announced Qadir shah as their new ambassador to Afghanistan embassy in India. However, the Afghanistan embassy has unequivocally rejected the Taliban’s decision, sparking a contentious standoff between the two factions.
Suhail Shaheen, the leader of the Taliban’s Political Office in Doha, has described the nomination of Qadir Shah as the new chargé d’affaires (CDA) as a “logical decision.” Shah had previously worked at the Afghan mission as a non-diplomatic “Local Staff” without recognition from the Afghan government in 2021. However, the Taliban has now put forward Shah as the head of the mission since April 25th of last month.
In a video message, Zabihullah Mujahid, the primary spokesperson for the Taliban government, announced that the Islamic Emirate has dispatched diplomats to a minimum of 14 countries and is actively working towards assuming control of additional diplomatic missions abroad. The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has already gained authority over 14 diplomatic missions in various countries, including Iran, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Russia, as well as several Arab and African nations.
Afghan Embassy’s Stand:
The letter issued by Qadir Shah, appointed by the Taliban, and has not yet been acknowledged by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India. Some media reports have stated that the Indian government has refrained from commenting on the Taliban’s decision, with officials indicating that this is an “internal” matter to be resolved within the embassy itself.
However, the Afghanistan Embassy has made the decision to dismiss Qadir Shah from his position and has barred him from entering the embassy premises.
According to a statement released by the Embassy, they strongly deny the claims made by an individual who asserts that they have assumed control of the mission in New Delhi on behalf of the Taliban. The Embassy expects the Indian authorities to take suitable and appropriate measures in accordance with diplomatic norms, taking into account the longstanding Indo-Afghan friendship. Ambassador Farid Mamundzay emphasized that this issue carries immense importance for the Afghan mission, touching upon moral and diplomatic principles.
Afghanistan’s Ambassador to India said, “I represent a republic or a government which no longer exists, but I was appointed by a legitimately elected government. I do have that legitimacy serving in this mission”.
India’s Stand
According to several media reports, The Ministry of External Affairs in India has chosen not to comment on the Taliban’s decision regarding the embassy, stating that it is an “internal” matter that should be resolved by the embassy itself. Diplomats are reportedly concerned that a Taliban-appointed Ambassador may take action against those who have not pledged loyalty to the Taliban, including diplomats or their families.
While India, like other countries, does not officially recognize the Taliban regime, there was a significant change in policy last year when the government decided to establish a “technical mission” in Kabul. Currently, the Indian government does not have an official diplomatic presence in Kabul but in July 2022, India reopened its embassy in Kabul as a “technical mission”.
Moreover, the refusal of the Afghanistan embassy in India to recognize the Taliban-appointed ambassador exemplifies the diplomatic challenges brought about by the political transformation in Afghanistan. As the situation unfolds, the diplomatic stance of various countries will continue to shape the future of Afghanistan and its engagement with the international community.
Title:Understanding the Diplomatic Standoff: Afghanistan Embassy in India Refuses to Recognize Taliban’s Appointed Ambassador
Written By: Fact Crescendo TeamResult: Explainer
