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QUESTION NO.3889 INDIAN AFGHANISTAN RELATIONSHIP

August 11, 2021

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3889
TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.08.2021

INDIAN AFGHANISTAN RELATIONSHIP


3889. SHRIMATI SAJDA AHMED:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether exit of the US from Afghanistan will impact the India Afghanistan relationship and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether India is securing interests and openly engaging with the Taliban;

(c) if so, the details thereof;and

(d) whether India has evacuated Indian citizens and officials and shut the Indian consulates in Afghanistan and if so, the details thereof ?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) to (d) Government has noted the U.S. Government's announcement that U.S. troops as well as the forces deployed by NATO member states will leave Afghanistan before September 11, 2021.

As a contiguous neighbour and strategic partner, India has a steadfast policy to support a sovereign, democratic and peaceful Afghanistan, where the interest of all sections of Afghan society, including women, children and minorities, are protected. India supports all peace initiatives leading towards a lasting political settlement through an inclusive Afghan led, Afghan owned and Afghan controlled process which would lead to peace and stability in the region.

In an effort to bring durable peace, Government is in touch with various stakeholders within and outside Afghanistan, including regional and international partners. External Affairs Minister participated in the inaugural session of the intra-Afghan negotiations in Doha held in September 2020.

Government remains vigilant and is in contact with the Afghan authorities to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals. As a security measure in July 2021, India-based personnel from the Consulate of India in Kandahar were temporarily withdrawn. Our Mission and Posts continue to extend necessary assistance to Indian nationals in Afghanistan. Security advisories are issued for Indian nationals regularly.

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