Prime Minister Modi reviews progress of evacuations from Afghanistan, chairs CCS meeting

According to senior govt sources, the CCS was briefed in detail on current and evolving security and political situation in Afghanistan. The CCS was also briefed on recent evacuations of Indian Embassy officials & some members of Indian community, as well as some members of Indian media

New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in backdrop of evolving situation in Afghanistan.

The meeting held at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg was attended by Defence Minister, Home Minister, Finance Minister and Minister of External Affairs.

According to senior govt sources, the CCS was briefed in detail on current and evolving security and political situation in Afghanistan. The CCS was also briefed on recent evacuations of Indian Embassy officials & some members of Indian community, as well as some members of Indian media

“India must not only protect our citizens, but we must also provide refuge to Sikh & Hindu minorities who want to come to India & we must also provide all possible help to our Afghan brothers and sisters who are looking towards India for assistance," media quoted Modi as saying to a senior government official.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Ambassador Rudrendra Tandon were also present at the meeting. Ambassador Tandon was on the evacuation flight from Kabul that landed in Jamnagar earlier today

Earlier, sources in the central government told media that the prime minister has been constantly in touch with officials regarding the situation in Afghanistan.

"He was taking stock of situation till late at night yesterday and was updated when the flight took off. He instructed that adequate arrangements be made to ensure food for all those who returned at Jamnagar."

In view of the prevailing situation in Kabul, the government evacuated India's Embassy personnel from Kabul. "This movement has been completed in two phases and the Ambassador and all other India-based personnel have reached New Delhi this afternoon," an MEA statement read.

'Pak can hardly influence Afghan Taliban'

Quoting 'sources' media reported that Taliban has clarified its position on Kashmir, saying—it regards it as a bilateral, internal issue; their focus is unlikely on Kashmir.

It was reported that Pakistan spy agency Inter Intelligence Services (ISI) will try and influence the Taliban. However, reports ruled out possibilities of Pakistan successfully influencing the Taliban entirely as it has "acquired power in a position of strength."

"ISI can only influence weak Taliban but it looks unlikely in the present situation," reports read.

However, media reports quoted sources who claimed that there will be increased security vigil in Kashmir but things are under control and Pakistan based groups in Afghanistan have little capacity to use the situation to their advantage.