2. Previous Function:
Trade Counselor Afghanistan Embassy Delhi
Taliban nominated Ambassador to India (20230515)

3. Biodata:
Mohammad Qadir Shah has worked for the embassy since 2020 and served as the trade councillor, but since controversy erupted over his appointment earlier this month, has not been allowed to enter the mission. According to a document seen a source, Shah was granted a visa extension by the Indian government on 13 May 2022 which expired on 12 May 2023.

He was refused to be accepted as the Taliban-appointed envoy. This is significant as it underscores India’s reluctance to endorse the Taliban government. The embassy in Delhi continues to display the flag and portrait of former President Ashraf Ghani, reflecting its allegiance to the previous government. Visitors are greeted by a photograph of Ghani upon entering the building, while the office of Ambassador Farid Mamundzay still bears the tricolor flag of the republic.

The visa of Qadir Shah, the man “appointed” by the Taliban to run the Afghan embassy in New Delhi as chargé d’affaires, expired two weeks ago, ThePrint has learnt, and it remains unclear whether the Indian government will extend it.