Mon Oct 13 10:12:55 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary of the text:**
The article discusses a power struggle over the Afghan Embassy in Delhi between the Taliban regime (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) and the former Afghan government (Islamic Republic of Afghanistan), which India still recognizes. The controversy centers on the Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s press conferences at the embassy, which the remaining diplomatic staff (loyal to the former government) see as an attempt to seize control. They fear for their safety and that of their families.
The MEA denies any involvement in the press conferences. The Taliban are flying their flags at the Embassy, claiming full control, which is disputed by the Afghan Embassy staff. They are apprehensive about India’s growing engagement with the Taliban, including upgrading the technical mission in Kabul to an Embassy and accepting diplomats from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, fearing it will jeopardize their jobs and safety, potentially forcing them to return to Afghanistan. The MEA has not responded to questions about the situation.
**Here’s the rewritten news article:**
**India Caught in the Middle as Taliban and Former Afghan Government Vie for Control of Delhi Embassy**
**NEW DELHI, Oct 13, 2025** – A tense standoff is brewing at the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi, as the Taliban regime and representatives of the ousted Afghan Republic government fight for control of the diplomatic mission. The dispute highlights India’s delicate position as it navigates relations with the Taliban while still recognizing the former democratically elected government.
The controversy erupted after Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held press conferences at the embassy, triggering accusations that the Taliban are attempting to seize control of the compound. Remaining diplomatic staff, loyal to the Republic, claim the conferences were an attempt to strongarm the embassy and that they fear for their safety and the safety of their families.
While the Afghan Republic’s flag still flies outside the Embassy, the Taliban delegation has raised their own flags inside. “We waged ‘jihad’ under this flag,” said Mr. Muttaqi, claiming the Islamic Emirate now controls 100% of the Embassy operations and staff. This claim was disputed by the Charge d’Affaires of the Afghan Embassy Delhi Mohammad Ibrahimkhil, who was present at the press conference.
Afghan staff members at the embassy expressed fears about their future, claiming that India’s support of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will cast a dark cloud over their futures.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has denied any involvement in the press conferences. However, staff members say they had pleaded with the MEA to have the press conference elsewhere.
The situation is further complicated by India’s recent agreement to upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to an Embassy and accept diplomats from the Taliban regime.
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