Indian embassy in Kabul safe, operating; salaries paid to local staff: Official
The official informed that some Indians are still in Afghanistan (Kabul), and the administration is trying to ensure their safe exit.
FollowThe Indian embassy in Kabul is now safe and operating, and the Government of India has also paid the salaries of local staff on time, according to a top official. "The Government of India pays the maintenance costs and wages of local personnel at the Indian embassy in Kabul on time," a top government source told media. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) receives frequent contact with the Kabul embassy, and the personnel ensured that the embassy was likewise safe.
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According to the reports, banks in Kabul are not entirely operating owing to continuing tensions. Thus embassy personnel may have difficulty withdrawing funds. The official informed that some Indians are still in Afghanistan (Kabul), and the administration is trying to ensure their safe exit. However, Kabul airport is closed, and the Taliban also prohibit plane travel. Re-evacuation efforts from Kabul are expected to begin shortly for the remaining Indians who are stuck there. According to the MEA, Delhi is in regular contact with Kabul and the Indian Embassy personnel.
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As the situation in Kabul remains hostile, the ministry has yet to respond to how many staff are present at the Indian Embassy. The official explained that the return of Indian diplomats and embassy staff to Kabul is contingent on how the new Taliban administration and guarantees communicate. Over 550 individuals have been rescued from Kabul or Dushanbe by India. "Over 260 of them were Indians. The Indian government also assisted in the evacuation of Indian people through various agencies. We communicated with several nations, including the United States, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan," an MEA official concluded.
