Will facilitate repatriation from Afghan: MEA

Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Arindam Bagchi said the government is "closely monitoring" all developments in Afghanistan and will facilitate repatriation to India.

New Delhi:Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Arindam Bagchi said the government is "closely monitoring" all developments in Afghanistan and will facilitate repatriation to India.

"We are in constant touch with the representatives of Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities. We will facilitate repatriation to India of those who wish to leave Afghanistan," Bagchi said.

Taliban fighters took over security posts across Kabul on Monday after sweeping the city on Sunday night. The Taliban seized all of the military and governmental establishments and patrolled the city as thousands of Afghans are trying to flee the country.

"The security situation in Kabul has deteriorated significantly in the last few days. It is changing rapidly even as we speak," he said. The government has circulated emergency contact numbers for the benefit of stranded Indian nationals in embattled country.

"(Government of India) had also been extending 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," Bagchi said.

Suspension of commercial flight operations from Kabul airport on Monday has affected India's repatriation efforts. "We are awaiting the resumption of flights to restart the process," the spokesperson said.

"The situation in Afghanistan is being monitored on a constant basis at high levels. The Government will take all steps to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals and our interests in Afghanistan," he said.