India has expressed its concern on increase in violence and targeted killings in Afghanistan

Maintaining that “the decision of the United States to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and to end its military operations there,” has been noted by India, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said, “We are deeply concerned about the increase in violence and targeted killings in Afghanistan.” India has called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.

“We are closely following the ongoing intra-Afghan peace process. Afghan people have seen more than four decades of war and unrest and deserve long-lasting peace and development.” MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in response to media queries on the announcement by the US of withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan before September 11, 2021

“India is of the view that an Afghan peace process should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. Any political settlement must be inclusive and should preserve the socio-economic and political gains of the past 19 years,” he said, adding that India supports a united, democratic and sovereign Afghanistan.

India has participated in the Doha Conference, the Geneva Conference and recently, the Heart of Asia Conference in Dushanbe. India remains engaged with the Afghan stakeholders and also our regional and international partners regarding next steps.”