The Afghan Taliban government has expelled a senior Indian diplomat, Harish Kumar, accusing him of meeting anti-Taliban figures. According to Afghan media, the Taliban viewed Kumar’s activities as attempts to organize opposition groups against the regime. This led to him being declared persona non grata.
Sources confirmed that the Taliban ordered Harish Kumar to leave Kabul by August 17. He had reportedly been stationed in Afghanistan since the fall of the previous Afghan government, serving in both diplomatic and intelligence roles.
Taliban officials summoned Indian embassy staff on August 16 to formally inform them of the expulsion decision. Kumar left for Delhi the following day. The Indian embassy has not issued any official statement regarding the development.
The expulsion highlights growing tension between the Taliban and foreign missions operating in Kabul. While India has not formally recognized the Taliban government, it has maintained limited diplomatic engagement in Afghanistan through a technical team.
This incident could strain India-Afghanistan ties and complicate New Delhi’s efforts to maintain regional influence amid evolving power dynamics in the country.