(Commonwealth_India) India has officially resumed granting visas to Afghan nationals across a wide array of categories, which represents a major change in policy after nearly five years of diplomatic and administrative suspension. This development follows the launch of a dedicated “AFGHAN Visa” module on the Indian government’s visa portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in, which became operational in the final week of April. Although the Government of India has not issued a formal public announcement, the move represents a notable step toward cautiously re-establishing bilateral ties with Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
The reinstated visa regime reflects a more inclusive and structured approach. Afghan citizens can now apply for several types of visas, including student, business, medical, medical attendant, entry, and United Nations diplomatic visas. The application process requires the submission of a recent front-facing photograph, as well as scanned copies of the applicant’s passport and national identification card, known as the Tazkira. The Tazkira must display key personal details such as full name, date of birth, nationality, and expiration date to ensure authenticity and eligibility.
Significantly, the entry visa category has been expanded to include a broader demographic. Artists, cultural professionals, academicians, and other individuals invited by recognized Indian institutions to participate in cultural or educational events are now eligible. Furthermore, children born from previous marriages of Afghan nationals married to Indian citizens or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders may also apply. The scope of eligibility also extends to Afghan nationals who own immovable property in India, as well as parents of minors or dependent parents of Afghan students pursuing higher education in India.
A notable policy enhancement has broadened the business visa category to accommodate a range of professional activities. In addition to traditional businesspersons and investors, the category now includes Afghan sportspersons and coaches who are engaged in commercial sports events or competitions in India on underpaid contracts. Afghan entrepreneurs planning to establish industrial ventures or engage in long-term or frequent commercial operations in India are also covered under this provision.
The resumption of these visa services follows India’s decision in August 2021 to suspend all visa issuance to Afghan citizens in the aftermath of the Taliban’s rapid takeover of Kabul and the fall of the previous democratic government. Given the uncertainty around the legitimacy and stability of the Taliban regime, as well as pressing security concerns, Indian embassies and consulates in Afghanistan were shut down. During that period, India introduced a narrowly defined ‘e-Emergency X-Miscellaneous visa’, primarily aimed at providing temporary refuge to Afghan Hindus and Sikhs who faced heightened risks under the new regime.
The current move to restore a comprehensive visa program coincides with a broader recalibration of India’s foreign policy approach toward Afghanistan. While maintaining a cautious stance, New Delhi has signaled its willingness to engage with the de facto authorities in Kabul on humanitarian and educational matters. In April 2025, a senior Indian diplomat traveled to Kabul to meet with the Taliban-appointed acting foreign minister. The discussions reportedly covered several priority issues, including mechanisms to facilitate the travel of Afghan students and patients to India, which has long been a destination for education and advanced medical treatment for Afghan citizens.
This cautious reengagement reflects India’s recognition of the complex and evolving realities of the region. In recent statements delivered at the United Nations Security Council, Indian officials have reiterated their ongoing monitoring of the situation in Afghanistan. They stressed the necessity of constructive dialogue with the Taliban, particularly in areas of mutual concern such as regional security, access to education, counterterrorism cooperation, and humanitarian assistance.
In essence, India’s phased resumption of visa services is more than a bureaucratic gesture—it is part of a strategic balancing act that seeks to maintain influence and humanitarian outreach in a volatile neighborhood while upholding its broader foreign policy objectives. Through this renewed visa policy, India is laying the groundwork for potential future engagement while safeguarding its national interests and regional stability.
