India Concerned As Situation Deteriorates In Afghanistan, Hopes For Ceasefire

Amid the Taliban outbreak in Afghanistan, the Foreign Ministry has said that India wants peace there (Afghanistan) for long-term development.

(File Photo)

New Delhi: Afghanistan's situation is a matter of concern and India expects a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire in the country as Taliban occupation of several areas. External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi stated in a weekly press conference that India is in touch with all parties in Afghanistan and is closely monitoring the ground-level situation of this war-torn country.

He said India is participating through Qatar's invitation in the regional conference on the Afghanistan issue in Doha. While speaking about the issue, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, "The situation in Afghanistan is a matter of concern. This situation emerged rapidly. We expect a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire there."

When asked about Pakistan's continued support to the Taliban, Bagchi said the international community is aware of Pakistan's role. ''We support Afghanistan, which realizes the aspirations of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future that protects the interests of all sections,'' he said.

"We want peace in Afghanistan for its long-term development," the spokesperson said adding that all parties should work towards an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled system.

Replying to a question on Indian High Commission's consultation on Afghanistan, he said the consultations will be issued to the Indian nationals there.

It may be recalled that in the new consultation, the Indian Embassy in Kabul had advised Indian companies working in Afghanistan to immediately bring back their Indian employees from the project sites before shutting down air travel services from the country.

The embassy had said that the security consultations issued on June 29 and July 24 are still intact. "As violence has increased in many parts of Afghanistan, commercial air travel services are shutting down in many provinces and cities," the Embassy stated.

"Indian companies operating in Afghanistan are advised to immediately recall their Indian employees from project sites in Afghanistan before air services be discontinued," the Embassy stated.

Meanwhile, Arindam Bagchi also referred to the visit of Qatar's Special Envoy al-Kahtani to India as a mediation for a resolution of this conflict.

It has been a known fact that terror attacks have frequented in Afghanistan since the US troops withdrew itself from the country on May 1. The U.S. has already withdrawn most of its forces and wants to complete the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan by August 31.

The Taliban were ousted from power by US-led forces in the year 2001. Now, as the US is withdrawing their troops, Talibani fighters have started taking control of different parts of the country.