This Article is From Aug 04, 2013

Afghanistan assures India of security for diplomatic staff

Afghanistan assures India of security for diplomatic staff
New Delhi: Afghanistan on Saturday told India it will leave "no stone unturned" to ensure the safety of Indian diplomatic personnel in that country following a terror attack on the Indian consulate in Jalalabad that left nine Afghans dead.

This was conveyed by Afghanistan Foreign Minister Zalmay Rassoul to India's External Affairs Minister Salman Khursheed when the latter called him up to thank him for the efforts of Afghan forces in ensuring the safety of the Consulate General of India in Jalalabad, said official sources.

Rassoul also told Khursheed that the Afghan government is determined to "counter the efforts those inimical to India's friendship with Afghanistan", the sources added.

An explosive-laden car was detonated just outside the Indian consulate when it was stopped at the checkpost. The blast killed children at a mosque nearby and also some Afghan security personnel. The mission staff was unhurt.

Jalalabad is near the border with Pakistan and the Indian consulate has been the target of a terror attack in 2007 too.

India is involved in major developmental works in Afghanistan, including the construction of the parliament building in Kabul, and a dam and power transmission lines.

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