NEWS

The security situation in Kabul has deteriorated significantly over the last few days, said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, ministry of external affairs. "It is changing rapidly even as we speak," he added.

Arindam Bagchi added, "The government of India has been closely monitoring all developments in Afghanistan. We have been issuing periodic advisories for the safety and security of Indian nationals in that country, including calling for their immediate return to India."

The MEA spokesperson said they have circulated emergency contact numbers and had extended assistance to community members. "We are aware that there are still some Indian nationals in Afghanistan, who wish to return and we are in touch with them."

India is battling the twin challenges of terrorism and expansionism by responding to them in a strong but restrained manner, PM Narendra Modi said on Sunday, in a veiled reference to Pakistan’s support to cross-border terror and the ongoing military confrontation with China in eastern Ladakh.

“The nature of global relations has changed after World War-II. There is a possibility of a new world order post corona. The world has seen and appreciated India’s efforts during corona,” said the PM in his Independence Day speech.

“Today the world is looking at India from a new perspective. There are two important aspects of this perception — one is terrorism and the other is expansionism. India is fighting both these challenges and is also responding strongly in a restrained manner. Our defence preparedness has to be equally strong if India has to fulfil its obligations properly,” he added.

Expressing displeasure over the ‘disturbing trend’ of the government not complying with its directions, the Supreme Court on Monday hit out at the Centre for passing the Tribunals Reforms Bill 2021 without any proper debate in Parliament and re-enacting its provisions that were struck down by it earlier.

A bench led by Chief Justice NV Ramana said that "in spite of all that (court directions), few days back we have seen, the ordinance which was struck down has been re-enacted. We are not commenting on Parliament proceedings."

As the Taliban reached Kabul on Sunday, India prepared to evacuate its staff and embassy personnel from Kabul in the next 48 hours.

With US forces still in control of Kabul airport, Indian commercial flights are continuing but not for long. India plans to complete evacuating its nationals before the US completes its own withdrawal. By Sunday evening, President Ashraf Ghani and his top advisers had resigned and fled Kabul. Taliban fighters had, according to reports, taken up security positions in various parts of the city.

The speed of the Taliban takeover has been a surprise though the inevitability of the Taliban returning to power in Afghanistan after the US left was never in question. On Sunday night, reports came in that the US had evacuated its acting ambassador from Kabul, while other western embassies were also moving their staff close to the airport.