What happened?
India has resumed granting visas to Afghan citizens across multiple categories, including business, medical, and entry visas for artists and relatives. This follows a five-year suspension of all visa services after the Taliban’s takeover in Kabul. A notification on the government’s official visa portal confirmed the rollout of the ‘New AFGHAN Visa’ module last month. The updated portal lists categories such as student, business, medical, medical attendant, and UN diplomat visas, requiring applicants to upload a recent front-facing photograph, passport, and national ID card. This move coincides with India’s efforts to engage with the Taliban regime through diplomatic channels, with recent discussions focusing on security, student visas, and humanitarian access.
Why it matters to India
Resuming visa services for Afghan nationals signifies India’s cautious re-engagement with Afghanistan amid regional security and humanitarian challenges. This step can facilitate humanitarian aid, educational opportunities, and business ties, strengthening India’s soft power and diplomatic presence in the region. These initiatives underline India’s steady re-engagement with Afghanistan.