Amid the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan,  Indi issued a 13-point detailed advisory for its nationals in the war-torn country, asking them “avoid all non-essential travel” and “to keep their movement discreet.” It also added Indians face a “serious threat of kidnapping.”

“All Indian nationals are also strongly advised to avoid all types of nonessential movements. Movements, especially during peak commuting hours, should also be avoided,” the security advisory issued by the Indian embassy in Kabul reads. It also asked to maintain distance from Afghan military convoys, government offices. 

It further says to keep any essential travel as “discrete” as possible. “Movements generally should not have a predictable pattern and timing and routes taken should be changed wherever possible to maintain an element of surprise,” it added. 

Asking its nationals to exercise utmost vigilance and caution, the embassy suggested avoiding any non-essential travel to outside cities, and to keep contact numbers of the embassy/consulates. 

For all Indian companies operating in Afghanistan, the advisory says, they should take up necessary security measures in respect of their Indian employees deployed at project sites. 

Meanwhile, the Taliban on Tuesday released a statement, assuring that diplomatic and non-military foreign nationals, including humanitarian workers, won’t face any security risks from the group.

The group says they may continue their diplomatic work and humanitarian activities as per normal routine. “As far as it is related to the Islamic Emirate [ read Taliban], we have fulfilled our responsibility regarding their safety. No one should have any reservations about the Islamic Emirate in this regard,” the statement reads. 

The development came after the Taliban in recent weeks made major territorial gains, capturing over 100 districts in Afghanistan.