New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday reaffirmed India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, announcing the upgradation of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of an Embassy.

The minister said Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India marks a key step in strengthening bilateral ties and affirming the enduring friendship between the two nations.

What did Jaishankar say about bilateral cooperation?

In his opening remarks during the meeting with Muttaqi, EAM Jaishankar recalled earlier discussions after the April 22 Pahalgam attack and the earthquake in Kunar and Nangarhar.

He said, “India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan. 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 highlighted India’s long-standing interest in Afghanistan’s development and progress.

“As a contiguous neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress. Today, I reaffirm that our longstanding partnership that has seen so many Indian projects in Afghanistan stands renewed. We can discuss the maintenance and repairs of finished projects as well as steps to complete others to which we have already committed. Beyond that, other development priorities of Afghanistan can be discussed by our teams.”

He detailed India’s assistance over the years, including health support during the Covid pandemic. Six new projects will be committed, and a gift of 20 ambulances has been announced, with five handed over personally as a symbolic gesture.

“India will also provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals and deliver vaccines for immunization and cancer medicines. We have also supplied drug rehabilitation materials through UNODC and are open to doing more. As a first responder, Indian relief materials were delivered to the earthquake sites within hours of the disaster last month. We would like to contribute to the reconstruction of residences in the affected areas. India has also been a significant provider of food assistance to the Afghan people. A further consignment will be delivered in Kabul today,” he added.

What about Afghan refugees?

Expressing concern over forced repatriation, Jaishankar said: “The plight of forcibly repatriated Afghan refugees is a matter of deep concern. Their dignity and livelihood is important. India agrees to help construct residences for them and continue providing material aid to rebuild their lives.”

How will India and Afghanistan collaborate further?

The minister cited cooperation on water management and irrigation.

“We note the interest on the Afghan side in taking this further and are ready to collaborate on the sustainable management of its water resources. Your invitation to Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan is also deeply appreciated. This can be discussed further.”

He also highlighted trade, educational, and cultural links:

“Our educational and capacity building programmes have long nurtured the Afghan youth. We will expand avenues for Afghan students to pursue studies at Indian universities. Sports is another longstanding connection. The emergence of Afghan cricket talent has been truly impressive. India is glad to deepen its support for Afghan cricket. As you are aware, India has introduced a new visa module for Afghan people in April 2025. As a result, we are now issuing greater number of visas, including in medical, business and student categories.”

Security cooperation

Jaishankar noted shared threats from cross-border terrorism and the importance of coordination.

“We have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity. However, these are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism that both our nations face. We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We appreciate your sensitivity towards India’s security concerns. Your solidarity with us in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack was noteworthy,” he added.