Negotiations with Taliban on Indian nationals’ rescue began on August 15

The negotiations with Taliban commanders for the safe passage of Indian diplomats and civilians started on August 15, the day the Taliban took control of Kabul. Two days later, 150 Indians including diplomats, ITBP personnel and civilians were evacuated by Indian Air Force (IAFs) C-17 Globemaster. The original plan was to evacuate in two batches –– on August 17 and 22 –– but the situation worsened forcing a change of plans, officials confirmed.

The mediation with Taliban commanders involved the Afghans who were facilitating the staff and civilians following the temporary closure of the embassy. Initially, the Taliban fighters on the ground did not allow the embassy staff and the civilians to leave, delaying the rescue mission. They manned checkpoints around the Kabul airport but, after several interventions, gave a safe passage, said an official at North Block.

The security personnel travelling with the diplomatic staff were told to put a detailed security plan during their movement to Kabul airport. A two-layer security cordon was thrown around the convoy to prevent any untoward incident. They were escorted by Taliban fighters till the outer perimeter of the airport. “The security situation in Kabul has deteriorated significantly and no commercial flights have been allowed on Thursday,” added the official cited above.


While ITBP personnel brought back their arms, ammunition and security gadgets, the bullet proof vehicles were left at the disposal of the local staff serving the embassy. Meanwhile, more than 260 Afghan Sikhs have approached the Indian authorities seeking help for their immediate evacuation from Afghanistan. It may be recalled that 25 Sikhs including a six-year-old child were killed during the attack on the Kabul Gurdwara in March this year.

On Tuesday, the government announced relaxation of e-visa for Afghan nationals of all religions. The home ministry officials on Thursday clarified that e-visa will be double entry and valid for six months. Authorities however said that it will consider cases where passports have been destroyed, particularly for Sikh and Hindu refugees. For others, proof of occupation and address in Afghanistan would be required and the application would be vetted by security agencies.