The Taliban has appointed Ikramuddin Kamil, an Afghan national based in India, as the acting consul at the Afghan consulate in Mumbai. This marks the Taliban-led government’s first diplomatic move in India since assuming power in Afghanistan. Kamil, who completed his PhD in international law from South Asian University in New Delhi on a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) scholarship, is expected to oversee consular services for the Afghan community in India.

While India has yet to formally respond to the appointment, sources familiar with the matter described Kamil as "an Afghan national working for Afghans in India." They noted that, despite Kamil’s role as a diplomat, India does not officially recognize the Taliban government and will continue to work with the global community on the issue of formal recognition.

Kamil’s appointment follows the recent visit of a senior Indian delegation to Kabul, led by JP Singh, MEA’s point-person for Afghanistan. During the visit, Indian officials engaged in discussions with Taliban leaders, signaling tentative diplomatic engagements between the two governments. Just a day prior, the Afghan Consulate in Mumbai announced the resumption of passport services for Afghan citizens, highlighting the need for expanded consular support for the sizable Afghan community in India.

Kamil, a Pashtun from Nangarhar province in Afghanistan, previously served as deputy director in Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has extensive experience in international law. His role is seen as part of the Taliban's effort to strengthen its diplomatic ties with countries where large Afghan communities reside.

Amid this development, questions about India’s stance remain, especially considering the recent exodus of Afghan diplomats from India following the Taliban takeover. India has continued to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan but has refrained from formally recognizing the Taliban regime, in line with many other nations.