Afghanistan crisis: Indian Embassy in Kabul to be evacuated

Tuesday, 17 August 2021Newsdesk

Amid escalating tensions in Afghanistan, India Tuesday said that it has decided to evacuate its embassy staff in Kabul. “In view of the prevailing circumstances, it has been decided that our Ambassador in Kabul and his Indian staff will move to India immediately,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a statement. The announcement came two days after the Taliban captured power in Afghanistan. Kabul fell to the Taliban on Sunday completing their takeover of the country in a lightning offensive that saw provinces and warlords give up without a fight, days after the hasty withdrawal of US troops.

New Delhi, 17 August 2021

As per news report of The Indian Express, The Union Home Ministry also announced a new category of visa to fast-track the applications of Afghans who want to come to India in view of the prevailing situation in Afghanistan. “The MHA reviews visa provisions in view of the current situation in Afghanistan. A new category of electronic visa called ‘e-Emergency X-Misc Visa’ introduced to fast-track visa applications for entry into India,” a home ministry spokesperson said. Thousands of Afghans rushed into Kabul’s main airport on Monday, some so desperate to escape the Taliban that they held onto a military jet as it took off and plunged to their deaths. At least seven people died in the chaos, US officials said. The evacuation operation resumed this morning at Kabul airport.

Source -indianexpress.com