NEW DELHI: Afghanistan embassy on Friday announced the permanent closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi citing ‘persistent challenges from the Indian government’.

The decision, effective from November 23, follows the embassy's earlier cessation of operations on September 30, 2023.All diplomats from the Afghan Republic have left India, leaving the fate of the mission to the Indian government, marking the conclusion of the 22-years of Afghan Republic's diplomatic presence in India.Afghan embassy, in its official statement, on the decision said, "Effective from November 23, 2023 owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government.

The decision follows the embassy's earlier cessation of operations on September 30, a move made in the hope that the Indian government stance will favourably change to let the mission operate normally."The embassy acknowledged potential characterization of the move as an internal conflict but asserted it was a result of broader policy and interest changes."To the Afghan citizens in India, the Embassy extends its sincere gratitude for their understanding and support throughout our mission's tenure," it added.Despite facing constraints in resources and authority, the Afghan embassy emphasized its unwavering efforts towards the well-being of the community, particularly in the absence of a recognized government in Kabul.The number of Afghan community in India has nearly halved since August 2021 as many Afghan refugees, students and traders left the country, with very limited new visas being issued.Afghan Embassy in India Closes Amidst Challenges: Lack of Resources and Discord with Taliban Regime"We assure the Afghan community that the mission operated with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair treatment based on the goodwill and interests of Afghanistan considering historic ties and bilateral relations with India," it added."Unfortunately, efforts have been made to tarnish our image and hinder diplomatic efforts in order to justify the presence and work of Taliban-appointed and affiliated diplomats.

In the face of these challenges, our committed team worked diligently in the most difficult circumstances, prioritizing the interests of the 40 million Afghans in every possible sphere from securing humanitarian aid and online education scholarships to facilitating ease in trade and advocating for the formation of a broad-based government," the Afghan embassy stated further in its statement.The Afghan embassy underscored that it utilized its diplomatic influence to pressure those who obstructed the formation of an inclusive government and denied millions of girls the right to education, expressing its commitment to advocating for the will of the Afghan people.The statement noted that there are no diplomats representing the Afghan Republic in India currently, with those stationed in the national capital being relocated to third countries.

Notably, the only remaining diplomatic presence in India is affiliated with the Taliban.The release further stated that the Afghan Republic's diplomats have officially handed over the mission to the Indian government.

The decision regarding the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or explore alternatives, including the potential transfer to Taliban diplomats, will now rest with the Indian government."We have considered the historic events and current circumstances carefully in arriving at this conclusion.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the past 22 years.

We reiterate our commitment to serving the people of Afghanistan and will continue to explore avenues to support our nation in these challenging times," the statement concluded.The embassy suspended operations on October 1, with its financial struggles were attributed to the Taliban overthrowing the previous government in 2021.

It also criticized certain consulates for serving the interests of an illegitimate regime.(With inputs from agencies)