Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is fact that due to suicide attack on a well guarded police station in Kabul and due to the resurgence of Taliban in Afghanistan, the Indian community in Afghanistan is under increased security risk; and

(b) if so, the specific measures that Government has taken to secure safety of Indian Officials, business and Indian workers there? 

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)

(a) & (b) There has been a decline in the security situation, including a number of attacks on police personnel and installations in Kabul in the recent past.

Government of Afghanistan have strengthened security for Indian personnel and projects in Afghanistan. In addition, for the Zaranj-Delaram road project, being executed in security-sensitive Nimroz/Helmand province by Border Roads Organisation, the Government of India has also deployed ITBP security personnel to supplement local Afghan security provided by the Afghan Government. The Embassy and the four Consulates in Afghanistan are provided security at levels determined by the Ministry of External Affairs in consultation with Government of Afghanistan. Indian nationals registered with the Embassy are being regularly advised about the prevailing security scenario in the country through security advisories. International Organisations/companies in Afghanistan provide security cover to their employees including Indians.