Q.463 DEVELOPMENTS IN AFGHANISTAN

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the developments in Afghanistan and their impact on India;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the safety of Indians and the country’s properties in Afghanistan are kept under close watch and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government is considering any comprehensive policy proposal to deal with the situation arising out of the reported withdrawal of the United States of America from Afghanistan; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER : THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA )
(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (E) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.463 REGARDING “DEVELOPMENTS IN AFGHANISTAN” FOR ANSWER ON 09.05.2012
Government is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Afghanistan and is in touch with various stakeholders, including the Government of Afghanistan, its regional and international partners on developments pertaining to Afghanistan. India is also part of various international efforts to bring about peace and stability in that country. Gove rnment will take all necessary measures to safeguard India’s interests in this regard.
The review of security of Indians and Indian interests abroad is a continuing process. The Embassy of India in Kabul has regularly issued advisories relating to the security environment and precautions to be observed to India nationals in Afghanistan, and it works with the local authorities to ensure their security. Necessary security review and augmentation of security arrangements have been conducted in consultation with the host Government who have been very supportive, cooperative and conscious of their responsibi lities.
India is actively engaged in assisting the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan in the reconstruction and development of that country as a means to bringing about stabi lity in Afghanistan. As a neighbour of Afghanistan, we can not remain immune from deve lopments there. India has broadened its engagement and assistance to Afghanistan as ref lected in the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) signed between Prime Minister and Pre sident Karzai during the latter`s visit to Delhi in October 2011. It is committed to supp orting the Government and the people of Afghanistan as they build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous country.
The inaugural session of the India-Afghanistan Partnership Council, mandated to implement the SPA, was held in New Delhi on May 1, 2012. This will pavethe way for further strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two countries.India will continue to consult with countries in the region and beyond in support ofpeace and stability in Afghanistan and underline the need to act effectively to ensure that terrorist and extremist groups targeting Afghanistan from beyond its borders are denied safe havens.

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