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Taliban Expels Indian Diplomat Amid Rising Tensions

9/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On 17 August, the Taliban declared Indian diplomat Harish Kumar "persona non grata" and expelled him.
He faced accusations of meeting anti-Taliban leaders and organizing opposition.
Kumar had been in Kabul since the previous Afghan government's fall.
Taliban officials notified the Indian Embassy on 16 August, and he left for New Delhi the next day.
Despite tensions, India and the Taliban have increased contacts recently.

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Story summary

On 17 August, the Taliban declared Indian diplomat Harish Kumar "persona non grata" and expelled him.
He faced accusations of meeting anti-Taliban leaders and organizing opposition.
Kumar had been in Kabul since the previous Afghan government's fall.
Taliban officials notified the Indian Embassy on 16 August, and he left for New Delhi the next day.
Despite tensions, India and the Taliban have increased contacts recently.