External Affairs Minister evasive on India's role in Afghanistan

New York, Aug 19, 2021, IBNS119

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Wednesday avoided commenting directly on whether his country will establish talks with Taliban or not as New Delhi is in the crossroads of the changing dynamics of global politics after the insurgent group invaded Afghanistan.

Jaishankar, who is at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting here, said New Delhi is prioritising the safe return of the Indian nationals from Afghanistan at the moment while it is too early to comment on what would be India's way forward in Afghanistan.

He told reporters, "At this point of time, we are looking at the evolving situation in Kabul... as the Taliban and its representatives have come to Kabul and I think we need to take it from there."

When asked whether New Delhi would continue with its investments in Afghanistan, the External Affairs Minister said, "The historical relationship with the Afghan people continues. That will guide our approach in the coming days. I think at this time, these are early days and our focus is on the safety and security of the Indian nationals who are there."

"At the moment we are, like everybody else, very carefully following developments in Afghanistan. I think our focus is on ensuring the security in Afghanistan and the safe return of Indian nationals who are there," Jaishankar added.

After days of fighting with the security forces and capturing territories, Taliban entered Kabul city Sunday and took control over the Presidential Palace.

President Ashraf Ghani fled the country as the insurgents entered the country.

Scenes of desperation were witnessed at Kabul airport Monday as hundreds of people, who are desperate to leave Afghanistan, clung on to a moving US Air Force C-17 aircraft on the tarmac.