Herat attack: Afghan President Hamid Karzai calls up Narendra Modi to promise security

NEW DELHI: In the wake of terror strike on Indian consulate in Herat, Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi today received a call from Afghan President Hamid Karzai who termed it as an attack on "shared interests" and vowed to do everything to protect the Indian missions in that country.

Karzai also told Modi that a thorough investigation has been launched into the attack.

Modi also spoke to India's Ambassador in Afghanistan Amar Sinha soon after the attack and lauded the role of security forces manning the consulate for their valiant efforts in fighting and killing the terrorists who attacked it.

"President Karzai & I talked about consulate attack in Herat. He assured me he will do everything to protect India's Missions in Afghanistan," Modi tweeted.

During their telephonic conversation, the Indian PM-designate also thanked Karzai for the efforts of the Indian and Afghanistan forces in thwarting the attack on the Indian Consulate.

"I condemn the attack on our consulate in Herat, Afghanistan. Closely monitoring the situation. I have spoken to the Ambassador as well," Modi said.

"India salutes the efforts of India's security personnel & Afghan security forces for their valiant efforts to fight the terrorists in Herat," he tweeted, adding "I salute the consulate staff for their indomitable spirit & high morale throughout the difficult circumstances."

A statement by the Afghan President's office said Karzai telephoned Modi and "strongly condemned today's terrorist attack on the Indian consulate", calling it "an attack on Afghanistan, India and our shared interests."