One of seven Indian engineers abducted by Taliban gunmen in Afghanistan’s Baghlan province in May last year returned safely to India on Monday, the external affairs ministry said.
The Indians were travelling in a largely Taliban-controlled area when they were abducted from their vehicle last year. (AP/Representative Image)
The Indians were travelling in a largely Taliban-controlled area when they were abducted from their vehicle last year.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
“We are grateful to the government of Afghanistan for their support in securing the release and repatriation of the Indian national. We continue to work closely with the government of Afghanistan for safe and early return of the remaining six Indian nationals,” the MEA said in a statement.
The Indian engineers of KEC International, an RPG group company, were working on a project for construction of a power sub-station in Afghanistan. Kidnapping of locals and foreigners is common in the country, where large parts are controlled by militants.
A government official with knowledge of the matter said in May last year that more than 1,700 Indian engineers and technical experts were working across Afghanistan on large infrastructure projects. India has been carrying reconstruction activities in the war-torn country. It has already provided at least $2 billion aid to Afghanistan.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had earlier asked the Afghan government to provide all possible help in freeing the seven Indian engineers.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had earlier asked the Afghan government to provide all possible help in freeing the seven Indian engineers.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
