When asked about media reports about the helicopter being captured by the Taliban, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said it was not related to the Indian Air Force.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday that the helicopter captured by the Taliban does not belong to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Bagchi was addressing a personal press conference. He was asked to comment on several media reports which claimed that the Taliban had captured helicopters gifted by India. He completely refuted the claims, saying, “It is now an internal matter for Afghanistan as it is not an Indian Air Force helicopter. It is now an Afghan helicopter.” He also said that India expects an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
India on Thursday attended a regional conference hosted by Qatar to discuss ways to control the escalating situation in Afghanistan in the backdrop of the Taliban’s relentless attack across the country.
Speaking in the first personal press briefing since last March, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said on Thursday that India is supporting all peace initiatives of Afghanistan and the primary concern is peace and stability in that country.
“It is a matter of concern. This is a rapidly evolving situation. We expect an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. We are supporting all peace initiatives in Afghanistan. The primary concern is peace and stability in that country,” he said. ” .
Asked about discussions with the Taliban, Arindam Bagchi said: “We are in touch with all stakeholders, various stakeholders. I would like to say nothing further,” he said, adding, “We want a ceasefire and a return to peace in the region.” want.”
He added: “We had issued an advisory for Indian nationals to leave Afghanistan through commercial channels. There is no formal evacuation mechanism.”
He further added, “Separately, our consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif has withdrawn all India-based personnel earlier this week. This is a temporary measure. Our consulate there will be staffed with locally recruited staff. On with.”
Responding to Pakistan’s continued support to the Taliban, Bagchi said the international community was well aware of that country’s role.
Afghanistan has seen an escalation in violence as the Taliban intensified their offensive against civilians and Afghan security forces, and a complete withdrawal of US and NATO forces in a matter of weeks.
India engages with several stakeholders and major powers on the latest developments in Afghanistan. India has been supportive of a national peace and reconciliation process that is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.
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