For the first time, Taliban-appointed diplomat arrives to take charge of Afghan embassy in India

Afghanistan has appointed diplomat Noor Ahmed Noor to its Embassy in New Delhi, marking the first such diplomatic posting to India since the Taliban takeover. Noor Ahmed Noor, who earlier served as the First Political Director at Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has arrived in the Indian capital to take up his new role.

The appointment comes amid a broader effort to deepen engagement between Afghanistan and India, particularly in the humanitarian and health sectors. On December 20, Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, said India is emerging as a key alternative partner for Afghanistan’s pharmaceutical needs as its relationship with Pakistan stands “deteriorated”.

Jalali said Afghanistan is looking to open a “new chapter” of cooperation with India, highlighting long-standing ties and India’s role as a reliable health partner. “We have a strong relationship with India, and we are here to open a new chapter of cooperation and collaboration. When it comes to Pakistan, the relationship stands deteriorated,” he said.