Indian missions in Afghanistan under constant threat: Krishna
By IANSFriday, January 7, 2011
NEW DELHI - A day before he leaves for Afghanistan, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Friday said Indian missions in that country were under constant threat but President Hamid Karzai had promised full security.
“Our embassy and four consulates are under constant threat. We are working with the Afghan government to ensure that they give our embassy and consulates enough protection, Krishna told reporters here.
“We have been fully assured by President Hamid Karzai of security.”
Besides its embassy in Kabul, India has consulates in Jalalabad, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif and Herat.
In July 2008, two Indian diplomats were among those killed when suspected Pakistan-based outfits targeted the Indian embassy.
The security of Indian assets and around 4,000 Indians engaged in a slew of reconstruction projects will figure prominently in Krishna’s discussions with the Afghan leadership.
Krishna leaves for Kabul on a two-day visit Saturday, his first overseas visit in 2011.
The visit is expected to underscore India’s resolve to remain engaged in the reconstruction of Afghanistan amid Pakistan’s reported moves to compel India to leave that country.
In his meetings with Afghan leaders, Krishna is expected to highlight India’s stakes in peace and stability in Afghanistan for which it has pledged $1.3 billion for reconstruction activities ranging from building roads and railways to power stations and grassroots projects.
He is also expected to reiterate India’s apprehensions on the proposed reintegration of the Taliban.
