New Delhi: India on Wednesday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Logar province of Afghanistan that took place last month.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi said, "India strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Logar province of Afghanistan in which 21 innocent people died and more than 100 were injured during the month of Ramadan".
India stands firm with the families of victims and with the people of Afghanistan in this hour of grief, he added.
There seems to be no end to continuous torture and violence in Afghanistan.
During the holy month of Ramadan on April 30, a heinous terror attack rocked the war-torn country.
A huge car bomb blast killed at least 27 people and injured dozens more in Afghanistan's eastern Logar province, with high school students among the casualties.
The MEA spokesperson further said, "We reiterate the urgent need for a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire leading to sustainable peace in Afghanistan"
India has been steadfast in its call to end the terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries which lead to attacks like these, he added.
India stands with the people of Afghanistan and salutes the courage of brave Afghan forces in their continued fight against terrorism, India's External Affairs Ministry said.
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On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had a conversation with EUHR/VP Joseph Borrell.
In line with the year 2020, India-EU Summit joint declaration, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and HRVP Borrell reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to continue to cooperate, based on their shared interests and values of democracy, freedom, rule of law and respect for human rights, on international and regional issues of common interest on Afghanistan, and to support the country in its path towards peace, security, self-reliance and prosperity.
Both the leaders jointly and firmly condemned the unacceptable level of violence perpetrated against the national forces of Afghanistan and civilians and the targeted assassinations of civil rights activists, media persons. They reiterated their call for an immediate, permanent and comprehensive nationwide ceasefire.
Further, calling for respecting and protecting the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, both the leaders reaffirmed their strong and continued support to an inclusive, Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process, the MEA had said.
Also Read: India, EU call for 'immediate, permanent and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan
As representatives of the world's largest democracies, they highly reaffirmed that any political settlement in Afghanistan must protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans, including women, youth and minorities, and build upon the economic, social, political and development gains achieved since 2001 under a democratic constitutional framework.
Jaishankar and Borrell reiterated that the nature of the peace settlement and its outcome will shape the future of international support and assistance.
India has shown immense support to Afghanistan and has been a major player in ensuring peace in the country.
It, however, deserves a special mention that India is among the six countries that would join the table to decide the roadmap for the Afghan peace process.
Also Read: Afghan envoy to India urges Taliban to leave the path of violence
