Embassy of India
Kabul, Afghanistan

Security precautions to be taken by Indian nationals in Afghanistan

           On April 21, 2008, an Indian national working with an Afghan-Canadian company M/s HEB International Logistics while traveling from Herat to Adraskan alongwith a Nepali national and an Afghan driver was abducted by some miscreants. The Toyota Corolla car in which they were traveling was found abandoned and was discovered by a passing taxi driver who reported to the police. The Adraskan police have mounted a search operation to locate the missing nationals.

2.         In the last couple of months Indian projects especially “Project Zaranj” of Border Roads Organizations, which is constructing the Zaranj-Delaram road has been targeted on a number of occasions. In the two specific incidents – one on January 3, 2008 a suicide bomber targeted a convoy carrying road construction material. In the incident, 2 Indians were killed and five others seriously injured. In the second incident, on April 12, 2008 a convoy of the same project was moving heavy machinery was again targeted by a suicide bomber. In the incident two Indians were killed and five others seriously injured. The project is undertaking road construction work in a very inhospitable terrain with numerous physical difficulties being faced in the execution.

3.         As you are all aware, Indians in Afghanistan are contributing significantly in the reconstruction process in almost all spheres of development creating tremendous goodwill amongst Afghans. Indians are also spread out in large number of provinces in Afghanistan, either when they are working for international organization, Public Sector Undertakings and with Private Indian or international companies. In the course of their work, they have to undertake journeys either by road or by air exposing themselves in the process. Further, as observed during 2006 and 2007, international community aiding in the construction process have been targets of forces that do not want the situation to be stabilized or normalize. Kidnapping of members of international community has been totally in the hands of undesirable elements to coerce the government into acquiescing to unreasonable demands and in the process creating a fear psychosis amongst internationals.

4.         As has been advised from time to time through advisories, Indians must remain extra cautious and be aware of their surroundings in which they work or live. Towards this end, it is reiterated that in case of road journey is to be performed, adequate security protection in the convoy or in the vehicle should be carried. Tendency to avoid taking the security contingent must not be encouraged. Keeping a safe distance from International Military/ANA/ANP convoys is again reiterated for your own safety and security, as they continue to be a target of militants.