All Indians stranded in Afghanistan will be evacuated; Prime Minister suggested action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered the evacuation of all Indians stranded in Afghanistan. We need to help the citizens of Afghanistan who are seeking help. Modi also said that Sikh-Hindu-minorities should be given shelter.
India, meanwhile, said it had evacuated staff from the Indian embassy in Afghanistan and those trapped in Kabul. More than 120 people were flown back to Jamnagar and Delhi on a special Air Force plane. The Prime Minister called a high-level meeting to assess the situation in Afghanistan.
The Air Force transport flight reached Jamnagar in Gujarat at 12 noon and Delhi at 5 pm. The plane left Pakistan’s airspace and returned to Delhi via Iran. India sent two C-17 air force planes yesterday morning to bring back those trapped in Kabul.
India had sought the cooperation of the US to evacuate Kabul airport. Embassy officials also spoke with the Taliban to ensure safety for road travel. The plane was accompanied by embassy officials, ITBP soldiers deployed to ensure security, four journalists and some Afghan nationals.
Many more are trapped there, including Malayalees who went to Afghanistan for construction work. A press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in the evening states that all of them will be returned. The move will begin as soon as permission is granted for passenger aircraft. The statement also suggested that all those trapped should call the numbers provided by India.
India has decided to issue e-visas to Afghan nationals. Despite the closure of the Afghan embassy, there are indications that the visa office will continue to operate with local officials. The Prime Minister called an emergency meeting in the evening to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval were also present at the meeting. According to government sources, India is in high-level talks with several countries. The meeting also assessed Pakistan’s current interest in Afghanistan.
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