The helicopter captured by Taliban is not of IAF

The helicopter captured by Taliban is not of IAF.

A spokesman Arindam Bagchi said Thursday that the helicopter captured by the Taliban does not belong to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Bagchi was addressing a press conference in person. He was asked to comment on various media reports claiming that the Taliban had captured helicopters given away by India. He completely denied the claims saying: “It is now an internal Afghan affair as it is not an Indian Air Force helicopter. It is now an Afghan helicopter.” He also said that India continues to hope for an immediate and complete ceasefire between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

India joined a regional conclave organized by Qatar on Thursday to discuss ways to contain the escalating situation in Afghanistan in the context of the ongoing Taliban offensive across the country.

Speaking at the first in-person press conference since last March, the MEA spokesman said Thursday that India supports all peace initiatives in Afghanistan and that the main concern is peace and stability in that country.

“It is worrying. It is a rapidly evolving situation. We continue to wait for an immediate and complete ceasefire. We are supporting all peace initiatives in Afghanistan. The main concern is peace and stability in that country,” he said.

When asked about the discussions with the Taliban, Arindam Bagchi said: “We are in contact with all interested parties, various interested parties. I would not like to say anything more,” he said, adding “We want a ceasefire and we want reimbursement. of peace in the region. “

He further said: “We have issued a notice for Indian nationals to leave Afghanistan for India through commercial means. There is no formal evaluation mechanism.”

“Separately, our consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif has withdrawn all staff based in India earlier this week. This is a temporary measure. Our consulate continues to operate with locally recruited staff,” he further said.

Responding to Pakistan’s continued support for the Taliban, Bagchi said the international community is well aware of that country’s role.

Afghanistan has witnessed an increase in violence as the Taliban have stepped up their offensive against Afghan civilians and security forces with the total withdrawal of US and NATO forces just weeks away.

India has engaged with a number of stakeholders and leading powers on the latest developments in Afghanistan. India has been supporting an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and controlled national peace and reconciliation process.