Afghan envoy invited to Republic Day celerbations by Indian Embassy in UAE

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has invited Badruddin Haqqani, a prominent Taliban figure serving as the Charge d'Affaires (CdA) of the 'Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,' to attend the Republic Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi.

Sources confirmed to India Today that the invitation was extended to Haqqani in accordance with standard diplomatic procedures.

“Invitation was sent out to the duly accredited CdA of Afghanistan. Duly accredited by the Government of UAE," sources in Kabul said. UAE doesn’t recognise the Taliban.

The invitation was addressed to the Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the 'Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,' reflecting the continued use of this designation despite the Taliban's preference for the 'Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.' Consistent with this, the Afghan Embassy in Abu Dhabi continues to fly the Republic flag, rather than the Taliban flag.

A source added, “Invitation was addressed to CdA of the Embassy of ‘Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’. The



Republic flag still flies atop the Afghan Embassy in Abu Dhabi. It is a routine matter for the Indian Embassy to invite all accredited Ambassadors/CdAs for the Republic Day reception."

Badruddin Haqqani was appointed as Charge d'Affaires in October 2023 and accredited by the UAE government. He is one of the sons of Jalaluddin Haqqani and the brother of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Interior Minister of Afghanistan.

The decision to invite Haqqani aligns with India's commitment to diplomatic norms and its practice of engaging with representatives of accredited missions. This approach is maintained while adhering to India's stance of not recognising the Taliban regime and following international diplomatic protocols.

India has engaged with Taliban officials in various capacities, including the reopening of its embassy in Kabul with a team of "technical experts." However, the country has stopped short of formal recognition, echoing the broader international approach towards the Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan.