India has ended a nearly four-year freeze on visas for Afghan nationals, unveiling a new visa policy aimed at Afghan students, businesspeople, and medical tourists. The move marks a cautious but significant step toward re-engaging with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.
Announced on April 29, the new visa system has been met with cautious optimism among Afghans separated from family and opportunities. Parwana Hussain, an Afghan national separated from her family since early 2021, expressed hope that her brothers could join her in India for higher education under the new rules.
India suspended all visas for Afghan nationals in August 2021 amid security concerns following the Taliban’s return to power and the withdrawal of NATO forces. While a limited e-visa system continued to serve Afghan Sikhs and Hindus, many Afghan families, students, and patients faced prolonged separation and travel difficulties.
This policy shift reflects a broader strategic recalibration by India amid increasing regional competition with Pakistan and China, which has strengthened its ties with both Islamabad and Kabul.
Former Indian diplomat Zikrul Rahman remarked, “India has deep-rooted connections with Afghanistan. Now is an opportune moment to reopen doors, as Afghans have been consistent supporters of India.” The easing of visa restrictions coincides with intensified diplomatic engagements between New Delhi and Kabul in 2025, including high-level talks and increased humanitarian assistance.
Although India has yet to officially recognize the Taliban government—still unrecognized by the international community—it has maintained a diplomatic presence in Kabul and continued humanitarian aid programs. For 2025-2026, India has allocated roughly 1 billion rupees (approximately 15 million SGD) in aid to Afghanistan.
India also continues to offer 1,000 scholarships annually for Afghan students pursuing online undergraduate and graduate studies, maintaining educational ties amid ongoing political complexities.
The restoration of visa access is widely seen as a critical step toward normalizing bilateral relations. Former Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Jayant Prasad emphasized, “Without visa restoration, normal exchanges between Indians and Afghans would be impossible.”
The development comes as Pakistan and Afghanistan recently upgraded diplomatic relations and agreed to include Afghanistan in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a move closely monitored by India.
Experts underline Afghanistan’s strategic importance as a gateway to Central Asia and a resource-rich market. The revival of medical tourism and trade, which previously generated millions of dollars annually, offers economic benefits to both countries.
Despite lingering security challenges, including terrorism and drug trafficking, India’s approach reflects pragmatic acceptance of Taliban rule and a desire to reinforce historical and cultural connections.
For ordinary Afghans such as doctoral student Eshaq Sarwari, the visa policy change brings renewed hope after years of separation from loved ones. “This is the best decision by the Indian government,” he said, expressing optimism for more visa approvals in the future.
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