India has implemented a new visa module for Afghan nationals, effective from April 29, replacing the previous E-Emergency Ex-Miscellaneous Visa system. Announcing the change at a press briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the move is aimed at further strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan.
The new module allows Afghan citizens to apply under six visa categories — medical, medical attendant, business, entry, student, and UN diplomatic. Afghan nationals currently in India under the previous system will need to convert their visas in accordance with the new policy by approaching the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
“The old visa module has been discontinued. Afghan nationals who arrived under the earlier policy must now apply under the new categories,” Jaiswal said. “We believe this move will enhance our close historical and cultural ties with the Afghan people.”
India had suspended visa services to Afghan nationals in 2021 following the Taliban takeover in Kabul, citing security concerns for Indian personnel. The resumption of visa issuance marks a significant shift in India’s engagement with Afghanistan, as New Delhi re-establishes its limited diplomatic presence in the country.
The rollout of the new visa system comes amid a flurry of bilateral engagements. On May 15, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, where both leaders discussed regional security, economic ties, and diplomatic cooperation.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack… Welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports.” He added that India reaffirmed its support for the Afghan people and their development needs.
Both sides also discussed enhancing trade connectivity, including through Chabahar Port, and addressed concerns related to Afghan traders, patients seeking medical treatment in India, and Afghan prisoners held in Indian jails.
A post by the Afghan Consulate in Mumbai echoed similar sentiments. It quoted Muttaqi as saying that Afghanistan views India as a “key regional country” and expressed hope that bilateral relations would continue to strengthen. He also called for expedited visa facilitation and the release of Afghan prisoners.
India has historically maintained strong ties with Afghanistan and has invested in numerous development projects there. The resumption of visa services and renewed diplomatic dialogue signal a cautious but significant step in rebuilding official engagement with the Taliban-led administration.
(ANI)