New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rubbished media reports claiming closure of India's Consulate in Afghanistan's Kandahar. In response to media queries, Arindam Bagchi, MEA spokesperson said 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," said MEA statement.
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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," the statement further said. Indian embassy in Kabul, consulates in Kandahar and Mazar include over 500 staff.
Media reports said the Taliban has been attempting to regain control over Afghanistan amid the United States withdrawing its troops.
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Earlier reports said, Indians visiting, staying and working in Afganistan has been cautioned and advised by the Indian embassy to avoid unnecessary travel in the country. India has been playing a pivotal role in Afganistan since the Taliban's fall in 2001 after the US invasion. India has contributed immensely to Afganistan's redevelopment and significantly in the construction of the Parliament building as well as several roads connecting important cities in the country.
After September 11, 2001 attack by Osama Bin Laden's Al Qaida, Afghanistan was invaded by the US in 2001. Bin Laden, who escaped to Pakistan was killed in May 2011, as per reports.
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