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PM Modi discusses Afghanistan situation with European Council President Charles Michel

Modi and Michel discussed the potential role India and the EU could play

Prime Minister Narendra Modi | PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi | PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday discussed with European Council President Charles Michel over phone the evolving situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban took over the governance in the country.

“The leaders discussed the recent developments in Afghanistan and the implications for the region and the world. They unequivocally condemned the horrific terror attack at the Kabul International Airport that resulted in many casualties,” the PMO said in a statement.

Both Modi and Michel emphasized the importance of a stable and secure Afghanistan and discussed the potential role India and the EU could play in this context, it said.

The two leaders also agreed to remain in touch on bilateral and global issues, in particular, the situation in Afghanistan.

“Spoke with @eucopresident Charles Michel, President of the European Council, about the evolving situation in Afghanistan. Also reiterated our commitment to further strengthening India-EU relations,” Modi tweeted in the evening.

The Taliban took control of the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on Tuesday after the last US aircraft took off in the morning, marking an end to the 20-year presence of the US in Afghanistan.

Modi's telephonic conversation with the EC president came on a day when New Delhi acknowledged a meeting of its Ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal with senior Taliban leader Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Mittal conveyed India's concerns that Afghanistan's soil should not be used for anti-Indian activities and terrorism.

“The discussions also focused on the safety, security and early return of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan and the travel of Afghan nationals, especially members of minority communities to India, the MEA said.

Last week, Prime Minister Modi had spoken with his Italian counterpart Mario Draghi and the two leaders stressed the need for international cooperation, including at the level of the G20, in addressing the security and humanitarian challenges arising out of the spiralling crisis in Afghanistan.

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