Following the permanent closure of Afghanistan's embassy in New Delhi, India's engagement with the Taliban has sparked discussions about the country's changing stance towards Kabul. This transformation, once characterized by robust support for education, democracy, and humanitarianism, now reflects a nuanced approach amid geopolitical shifts.

In the wake of the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan, India, traditionally hostile towards the ultra-conservative group, refrained from formal diplomatic relations but avoided outright alienation, seeking to preserve its foothold in the region. Analysts note a complex interplay between India's relationship with Pakistan, concerns about rising Pakistani influence due to the Taliban's resurgence, and India's attempt to navigate these geopolitical realities.

India's history in Afghanistan includes significant contributions – close to $3 billion in aid, infrastructure development, and substantial investment in education and soft power initiatives. However, the recent closure of the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan School, due to alleged funding withdrawal by the Indian government, signals a shift in India's stance toward Afghan refugees and visa issuance, particularly impacting Afghan students studying in Indian universities.

The closure of Afghanistan's embassy underscores a broader recalibration in India's Afghan policy, signaling a departure from the nation's earlier unequivocal support. India's diplomatic moves, including meetings with Taliban officials and aid deliveries coordinated with the Taliban government, highlight a pragmatic yet delicate strategy to maintain a presence in Afghanistan amid the Taliban's ascendancy.

This strategic shift has implications for India's historical ties with Afghanistan, risking the erosion of goodwill established over decades and potentially reshaping the future dynamic between the two nations.