Seven Indians, working for development of electricity infrastructure in Afghanistan, were kidnapped by the Taliban in May 2018

Two Indian nationals, who were released from captivity in Afghanistan on July 31 2020, returned to India on Tuesday.

It would be recalled that seven Indian nationals were kidnapped in Afghanistan in May 2018, including the two who returned on August 4.

Six Indian nationals have now been released so far from captivity, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press note.

“We thank the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for their constant and unwavering support in securing the release of the Indians,” the Ministry said.

All seven Indians were working for Maharashtra-based KEC International Limited, the company which is working on development of electricity infrastructure in the landlocked country.

It should be recalled that the Taliban had never formally claimed responsibility for the abduction of these Indian nationals. It was only after their release that it was confirmed that the Taliban was behind their abductions.

India is one of the leading development partners of Afghanistan. On Monday, during a telephonic conversation between Narendra Modi and Ashraf Ghani, the Afghanistan President thanked the Indian Prime Minister for timely supply of food and medical assistance to meet Afghan requirements.

In his turn, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to the people of Afghanistan in their quest for peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Afghanistan.