Indians were repatriated from Afghanistan to Iran by air

- Kabul Airport has the advantage of being under US occupation

- The Kabul mission was completed with a brilliant combination of military and civilian

New Delhi: The Indian government has repatriated its ambassador to Afghanistan and all embassy staff. The government vacated the Afghan embassy in view of the deteriorating security situation following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. India's special aircraft brought the Indians back to India via Iranian air for this purpose, as it was a military aircraft and did not use Pakistani airspace. Officials said that the Indian Air Force C-17 plane landed at the Air Force Airport in Jamnagar, Gujarat at 11-15 am. The plane then took off at Hindon Airbase in Delhi.

The luggage of several Indian embassy staff was snatched by Taliban militants. Authorities flew from Kabul airport carrying more than 150 people, including Indian Ambassador Rudred Tandon and other officials and embassy security personnel. Earlier, another C-17 plane brought some Indian embassy staff to India on Monday.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar is currently on a four-day visit to the United States. He discussed the management of Kabul airport with US Secretary of State Blinken. The airport is currently occupied by the United States. The departure of the Indian staff became possible when Jaishankar interacted with a number of people, including American officials, to evacuate Indian officials from Kabul.

Amidst the Taliban occupation and chaos in Kabul, the evacuation of Indian embassy staff and ITBP personnel was no less difficult. Many senior officials, including the Indian ambassador, spent the night awake, hoping to return to India. According to sources, amidst the blockade of Taliban fighters, the task of gathering Indians first was carried out. They were then taken to a safe airport. The Indian Air Force C-17, which arrived in Kabul on Monday evening, was scheduled to depart late at night, but had to be stopped in the middle of the evacuation mission due to Taliban patrols and chaos in the city. It also caused air force planes and pilots to spend the night in stressful situations.

Meanwhile, the Indian foreign minister and national security adviser continued to hold talks in Washington with US Secretary of State Tony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan in coordination with US officials controlling Kabul airport. Contacting the Taliban group ensured that the Indian contingent reached the airport without any special damage. The most difficult task of all was to get the Indians out of various places and reach one place. This work was done with special care.

Difficulties can be inferred from the fact that it took three hours to cover the 30-minute journey. Vehicles were often stopped by Taliban fighters during the blockade. The biggest challenge and fear during this time was that any incident could be a threat to the entire operation. The ITBP personnel were responsible for the safety of the mission personnel and civilians.

After receiving more than half of the green light, the convoy of vehicles set out for the mission and reached the airport after crossing a difficult road. Even at the airport, keeping one's people safe amidst the chaos was no less of a challenge. Ritsar's fence kept people safe until they boarded the plane.

At about seven in the morning all boarded the plane. As a result, those coordinating the airlift in Delhi also breathed a sigh of relief. The Indian Air Force plane took off at about 7.30 am. There was concern on everyone's face until the plane flew out of Afghanistan's borders.