In his opening remarks, EAM Jaishankar reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, and announced the upgrade of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to Embassy status. He recalled earlier talks with the Afghan Foreign Minister after the April 22 Pahalgam attack and recent earthquakes in Kunar and Nangarhar.

“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,” he said.

Muttaqi emphasized Kabul’s longstanding good relations with India and assured that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used against other countries. “During the American occupation, there were many ups and downs; however, we never made statements against India and always valued good relations with India. We will not allow any troops to threaten or use our territory against others. This is a challenge for the region, and Afghanistan is at the forefront of this struggle. The need of our region is that we combat this menace together, and this is for the common prosperity of both nations,” Muttaqi said.

Calling India “the first responder,” the Afghan Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for India’s humanitarian assistance during the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. “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,” he said.

Expressing thanks for India’s hospitality, Muttaqi remarked, “India is a historic and important country of this region. We have had long civilisational and people-to-people ties for centuries, extending beyond geography to culture, business, and other avenues that bind our countries.”

Muttaqi concluded by stating that Afghanistan is ready to establish mechanisms of understanding to strengthen the bilateral relationship further.