KABUL: India has started evacuating its diplomats from Afghanistan. Air Force’ special flight flew from Kabul to India with 120 diplomats. The Indian embassy in Kabul has been closed. Reports hint that the remaining Indians will be repatriated today itself. The remaining officers will be flown in on special air force planes as regular services to and from Kabul airport have been cancelled. Though the Air India flight left for Kabul yesterday it was abandoned due to the closure of the Afghan air border.

India had sought US assistance for the immediate evacuation from Afghanistan. External Affairs Minister S Jayasankar had discussed the issue with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The ministry of external affairs said the situation is being closely monitored and appropriate decisions will be taken. The government is trying to complete the evacuation within the next 48 hours. The ministry of external affairs has set up a special cell for evacuation proceedings.