Decision taken in view of ‘prevailing circumstances’ after Taliban takeover, says Foreign Ministry
NEW DELHI (AA) – India’s ambassador to Afghanistan and other embassy staff were flown out of Kabul on a special repatriation flight along with civilians and security personnel on Tuesday.
“In view of the prevailing circumstances, it has been decided that our Ambassador in Kabul and his Indian staff will move to India immediately,” Arindam Bagchi, spokesman for India’s Foreign Ministry, said on Twitter.
He, however, did not clarify whether the Indian Embassy in the Afghan capital has been closed. The official also did not respond to a query by Anadolu Agency.
Some 40 Indians, including diplomats, were also evacuated from Kabul on an Indian Air Force plane on Monday.
Late on Monday, the Foreign Ministry said it has set up a special cell to coordinate repatriation and other requests from Afghanistan.
“We are aware that there are still some Indian nationals in Afghanistan who wish to return and we are in touch with them,” Bagchi said in a statement issued in response to media queries.
“There are also a number of Afghans who have been our partners in the promotion of our mutual developmental, educational and people to people endeavors. We will stand by them.”
Separately, India’s Home Affairs Ministry said it has reviewed visa provisions in view of the situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban swept to power following a rapid nationwide offensive.
“A new category of electronic visa has been introduced to fast-track visa applications for entry into India,” a ministry representative said.