The Taliban said they would maintain ceasefire to honour the Eid al-Fitr holiday

Days after India welcomed a political agreement between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah, New Delhi has termed the three-day ceasefire reached during Eid between Afghan forces and insurgents-led by Taliban in the land locked country as a positive development.

“India welcomes the understanding reached for a ceasefire in Afghanistan for three days during the Eid. We hope that this ceasefire would extend further and become permanent to address the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and pave the way for durable peace and stability for the people of Afghanistan. India stands with the people of Afghanistan in their quest for enduring peace, security, sovereignty, and prosperity,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Sunday.

On Saturday, the Taliban said that they would cease-fire for three days to honour the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani welcomed the group's decision and said he had ordered the Afghan National Defense Security Forces to comply with the truce that took effect on Sunday.

Earlier on May 18, India welcomed a political agreement between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah, stating that it will result in renewed efforts for lasting peace and stability in the war-torn land locked country.