Monday, 12 July 2021 | PNS | New Delhi
With the situation worsening in Afghanistan and the Taliban crushing all resistance after the withdrawal of the US forces to take control of the majority of the country, India has brought out its diplomatic staff from its consulate in Kandahar. At least 50 diplomatic staff and security personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were airlifted on Saturday by an Indian Air Force (IAF) plane.
The precautionary step was taken in view of the deteriorating security situation and the Taliban gaining control of new areas around the southern Afghan city.
Giving details here on Sunday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India-based personnel were brought back for the time being in view of intense fighting near Kandahar city.
Describing the withdrawal of the India-based personnel as a temporary measure, he said the consulate continues to operate through the local staff members. He said India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in Afghanistan.
“The safety and security of our personnel is paramount. The Consulate-General of India in Kandahar has not been closed. However, due to the intense fighting near Kandahar city, India-based personnel have been brought back for the time being,” Bagchi said in response to a media query on the issue.
“I want to emphasise that this is a purely temporary measure until the situation stabilises. The consulate continues to operate through our local staff members,” Bagchi said.
He said arrangements are being made to ensure continued delivery of visa and consular services through the Indian Embassy in Kabul. An important partner of Afghanistan, India remains committed to a peaceful, sovereign and democratic Afghanistan, the spokesperson said.
India’s move to temporarily bring back its staff came in view of Taliban fighters rapidly seizing control of a number of key areas in the region as well as in western Afghanistan triggering huge security concerns.
There were reports that at least two foreign missions in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, have closed their operation in view of the escalating violence in the region.
