Afghanistan situation critical, evacuating Indians top priority- Jaishankar

Minister of external affairs Dr, S Jaishankar said the situation in Afghanistan was "critical" and the evacuation of Indians was in full swing and  India was trying to evacuate as many people as possible. Briefing the floor leaders of all political parties in New Delhi on Thursday, he said that India has evacuated over 800 people from Afghanistan since August 15. Most of these are Indian nationals and members of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities. Replying to a question, Jaishankar said that India was in a wait and watch mode as there was no certainty either on the ground in Kabul or within the international community over the new rulers of Afghanistan. The minister also stated, “Our strong friendship with the people of Afghanistan is reflected in the more than 500 projects we have there. This friendship will continue to guide us. India’s footprint and activities naturally keep in mind the ongoing changes.” He also said the Prime Minister had spoken to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin. There will be more such high-level calls in the days to come, he said.

We have undertaken evacuation operations in extremely difficult conditions especially at the airport.

Our immediate concern and task is evacuation and long term interest is the friendship for the Afghan people.

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 26, 2021

Apart from Jaishankar, the meeting was attended by Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Piyush Goyal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge (Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha) and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (party chief in the Lok Sabha) were among the opposition leaders present, as were NCP chief Sharad Pawar, the DMK's TR Baalu, and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. Meeting was attended by 37 leaders from 31 parties.