India evacuates its consulate personnel from Kandahar for the ‘time being’

Kabul: The Indian government has evacuated 50 diplomats and other staff of its Kandahar consulate due to security concerns.

The Indian decision to bring back its staff is the result of the US force’s continuous withdrawal from Afghanistan.

 The US troops have recently evacuated the important Bagram airbase which was used by the US and allied for nearly 20 years.

In response to media queries about the Indian Consulate in Kandahar, the official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi confirmed the evacuation ‘due to the intense fighting near Kandahar city.

The Indian government has released the following brief statement on its Ministry of External Affairs website on Kandahar evacuation:

“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.

“I want to emphasize that this is a purely temporary measure until the situation stabilizes. The Consulate continues to operate through our local staff members.

Arrangements are being made to ensure continued delivery of visa and consular services through our Embassy in Kabul.

As an important partner of Afghanistan, India remains committed to a peaceful, sovereign and democratic Afghanistan.”