“I think our focus is on ensuring the security in Afghanistan and the safe return of Indian nationals who are there,” S Jaishankar said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday, after the Taliban’s conquest of Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday, said New Delhi is “very carefully” following the developments in Afghanistan and India’s focus is on ensuring the security and safe return of Indian nationals still in the war-torn country.
Asked how India views and deals with the Taliban leadership, he said it is still “early days”, not offering direct comment on whether or not India was in touch with the Taliban.
When asked whether India has had any communication with Taliban in the recent days, he said: “At this point of time, we are looking at the evolving situation in Kabul… as Taliban and its representatives have come to Kabul and I think we need to take it from there.”
Responding on whether India will continue its investments and engagement in Afghanistan, the minister said the “historical relationship with the Afghan people” continues. ”
“That will guide our approach in the coming days. I think at this time, these are early days and our focus on safety and security of the Indian nationals who are there,” S Jaishankar said.
Addressing reporters at the UN Security Council stakeout after chairing an open-debate on peacekeeping under India’s current UNSC Presidency, Mr Jaishankar said “that (situation in Afghanistan) is really what has been very much the focus of my own engagements here, talking to the UN Secretary General and other colleagues who are here as well as the US Secretary of State.”
“At the moment we are, like everybody else, very carefully following developments in Afghanistan. I think our focus is on ensuring the security in Afghanistan and the safe return of Indian nationals who are there,” he said in response to a question by PTI.
Indian ambassador Tandon and staff from the embassy in Kabul were rushed back home in a military transport aircraft following escalating tension, fear and uncertainty gripping the Afghan capital after the Taliban insurgents seized the Afghan capital on Sunday.
Around 150 people, including diplomats, officials, security personnel and some stranded Indians were carried in the 17 Globemaster aircraft of the Indian Air Force, which landed at the Hindon airbase near the national capital at around 5 PM after a brief halt at Jamnagar in Gujarat.
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