India has pulled out around 50 diplomats & security personnel from its consulate in Kandahar in Afghanistan, reported news agency PTI. This comes in view of the deteriorating security situation & the Taliban gaining control of new areas around the southern Afghan city, reported PTI. A special aircraft of the Indian Air Force was sent on July 10 to bring back the Indian diplomats, officials & other staff members including a group of Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel. India’s move to temporarily shut the consulate in Kandahar came in view of Taliban fighters rapidly seizing control of a number of key areas in the region as well as in western Afghanistan triggering huge security concerns. In response to media queries on the Indian Consulate in Kandahar, Official Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi released a statement. He said, “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.” Watch the video to know more.
