External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday announced that India would upgrade its Technical Mission in Kabul to a full embassy during bilateral talks with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

"I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India. India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan," Jaishankar said.

He added, "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 also welcomed Afghanistan’s invitation to Indian companies to explore investment and mining opportunities in the country.

"Your invitation to Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan is also deeply appreciated. This can be discussed further. We have a shared interest in boosting trade and commerce. I am glad to note the commencement of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi," he said during the meeting.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Kabul would strengthen its engagement with New Delhi and ensure that no group uses Afghan territory against other nations.

"I am happy to be in Delhi, and this visit will increase the understanding between the two countries. India and Afghanistan should increase their engagements and exchanges...We will not allow any group to use our territory against others," Muttaqi said.

He described India as a "close friend" for its timely help during the recent earthquake and expressed a desire for relations rooted in respect and partnership.

"In the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, India was the first responder. Afghanistan looks at India as a close friend. Afghanistan wants relations based on mutual respect, trade and people-to-people relations. We are ready to create a consultative mechanism of understanding, which helps towards strengthening our relations," he said.

Jaishankar thanked Afghanistan for its solidarity after the Pahalgam terror attack and for being mindful of India’s security concerns.

"Your visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan," he said.

He recalled their previous conversations after the Pahalgam attack and the Kunar and Nangarhar earthquake, saying the face-to-face meeting "holds a special value in allowing to exchange perspectives, identify common interests and forge closer cooperation."

Reaffirming India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s welfare, Jaishankar said, "India has long extended support for the health security of Afghanistan, including during the Covid pandemic. We are now ready to commit to six new projects, whose details can be announced after the conclusion of our talks. A gift of 20 ambulances is another gesture of goodwill and I would like to handover 5 of them to you personally as a symbolic step. India will also provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals and deliver vaccines for immunisation and cancer medicines. We have also supplied drug rehabilitation materials through UNODC and are open to doing more."

Highlighting regional security issues, Jaishankar called for stronger cooperation to counter terrorism.

"Speaking about cross-border terrorism as a shared threat to the growth and prosperity of India and Afghanistan, Jaishankar underlined, ‘We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.’"

Jaishankar announced that a new shipment of food assistance had reached Kabul and reiterated India’s support for Afghanistan’s recovery from disasters and displacement.

He said India would continue to provide aid for earthquake-hit regions, help rebuild destroyed homes, and support Afghan refugees who were forcibly repatriated by offering materials and housing assistance.

Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a week-long visit from October 9 to 16. His trip marks the first high-level delegation from Kabul to New Delhi since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021.