Centre faces tough choice as Taliban pick a new Ambassador for Delhi

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre faces tough choice as Taliban pick a new Ambassador for Delhi” published in The Hindu on 16th May 2023

What is the News?

The Taliban Government has recalled the current Afghan Ambassador to India and appointed a new ambassador.

This has presented a complex situation for India’s foreign policy on the Afghanistan situation and its engagement with the Taliban.

What is India’s stand on the Taliban Government in Afghanistan?

India, similar to many other countries, does not acknowledge the Taliban government. However, in 2022, the Indian government established a “technical mission” in Kabul.

If India accepts the Taliban’s wish to replace the Afghan Ambassador, it could indicate a formalization of its ties with the insurgent group.

But India rejecting the Taliban regime’s appointment could see repercussions for India’s “technical mission” in Kabul.

Which countries accepted the Taliban’s appointments?

Most countries where Afghanistan ran missions have refused to accede to the Taliban appointments.

But countries like Russia, China, Pakistan, the Central Asian states and Iran have allowed the Taliban-appointed diplomats to run the missions and even raise the Taliban or “Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan” (IEA) flag.