8.55 am: Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says that the government has decided to evacuate Indian ambassador in Ka...
8.55 am: Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says that the government has decided to evacuate Indian ambassador in Kabul and his staff.
Many countries are scrambling to empty their embassies and remove their staff after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.
In view of the prevailing circumstances, it has been decided that our Ambassador in Kabul and his Indian staff will move to India immediately.
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) August 17, 2021
8.44 am: The Centre announces new category of electronic visa to fast-track applications for entry into India amid the crisis in Afghanistan.
MHA reviews visa provisions in view of the current situation in Afghanistan. A new category of electronic visa called “e-Emergency X-Misc Visa” introduced to fast-track visa applications for entry into India.@HMOIndia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) August 17, 2021
7.53 am: Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discusses situation in Afghanistan with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Jaishankar says he has spoken on the urgency of restoring airport operations in Kabul.
Blinken has also spoken to Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, according to Reuters.
Discussed latest developments in Afghanistan with @SecBlinken. Underlined the urgency of restoring airport operations in Kabul. Deeply appreciate the American efforts underway in this regard.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 16, 2021
7.30 am: India’s foreign ministry has set up a special cell for repatriation...
