Afghan embassy 'permanently' closes in New Delhi

NEW DELHI, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi on Friday announced its "permanent" closure due to "persistent challenges from the Indian government."

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay and other diplomats appointed by the ousted Ashraf Ghani regime have left India for other countries.

The embassy, located in a prime location in the city's Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave, had earlier suspended all work, except emergency services, from October 1.

"Unfortunately, despite an eight-week wait, the objectives of visa extension for diplomats and a shift in the Indian government's conduct were not realised," read a statement posted on social media.

The statement said "the only individuals present in India are diplomats" affiliated with the new Afghanistan administration headed by the Taliban.

"Given the constant pressure from both the Taliban and the Indian government to relinquish control, the embassy faced a difficult choice," it said.

India does not formally recognise the new government in Kabul but continues to engage with it at various levels.

-- BERNAMA