Afghanistan: India makes the puzzle of repatriation of its nationals
Diplomats and Indian civilians from Afghanistan at Jamnagar airport in western India in transit to New Delhi on August 17, 2021. REUTERS - STRINGER
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With the closure of its embassy and the stopping of flights, New Delhi is struggling to identify and evacuate the last of its nationals in Afghanistan.
The Indian government has launched a special cell to facilitate their return.
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With our correspondent in Bangalore,
Côme Bastin
Until a month ago, at least 3,000 Indians resided in Afghanistan, many of whom were working on infrastructure projects.
It's hard to know how many there are today.
Several hundred, according to sources.
Visiting New York within the framework of the Indian presidency of the United Nations, Foreign Minister Jaishankar admitted: “
The task promises to be complex, but their repatriation is the priority of the government.
"
First challenge: identify and locate the Indians still there, while the diplomatic staff were evacuated from Kabul.
A special cell has been set up so that they can report themselves.
Refugee in a Sikh temple in Kabul
Several states in India also transmit information to the central government.
200 people from West Bengal are missing, according to its chief minister.
In Kabul, around 150 Indians are said to have found refuge in a Gurdwara, a Sikh spiritual place.
On Wednesday August 18, the Taliban reportedly came to assure them that they had nothing to fear.
Second challenge: organize the repatriation itself.
No Air India flights are no longer operating between Delhi and Kabul, it is the Indian Air Force that should bring them back to the country once they can reach the airport.
For this, the government ensures that it is in constant discussion with the United States.
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Read also: India launches an emergency electronic visa for Afghan refugees
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