New Delhi: India on Thursday added to the list of countries that advised its nationals to leave war-torn country Afghanistan. The government of India issued an advisory for its nationals residing in Afghanistan to leave the country. The US and the UK have already advised their nationals to leave Afghanistan as the situation has been worsening.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi confirmed that “Our Mission in Kabul issued an advisory for Indian nationals earlier this week, advising them to return to India via commercial flights.”
The MEA spokesperson told the media that “Afghanistan’s security situation is a rapidly evolving situation and that the primary concern is peace and stability in that country. We continue to hope that there will be an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. We are supporting all peace initiatives of Afghanistan.”
As the Taliban continues to make sweeping territorial gains in Afghanistan, India has asked its nationals residing there to leave the country.
Over India’s initiative for minority communities in Afghanistan said that “Last year, our Mission in Kabul had facilitated the return of over 383 members of Hindu and Sikh community in Afghanistan to India. Our Mission in Kabul continues to remain in touch with Afghan Hindu and Sikh community members and we will ensure the provision of all necessary assistance to them.”
A question on India’s discussion with the Taliban, Bagchi said that “We are in touch with all stakeholders, various stakeholders. I would not like to say anything further.”
“Separately, our Consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif has withdrawn all India-based personnel earlier this week, this is a temporary measure. Our Consulate there continues to be operational with locally recruited staff.” Arindam Bagchi added.
A number of countries are advising their staff to return to the country as the Taliban taking over the capital of provinces.