New Delhi: Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that the Indian Consulate in Kandahar has not been closed. But for the time being, consular services are available through the Embassy in Kabul.

In response to the media queries on the Indian Consulate in Kandahar, the Official Spokesperson, Shri Arindam Bagchi said that India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in Afghanistan.

"India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in Afghanistan. The safety and security of our personnel is paramount. The Consulate General of India in Kandahar has not been closed. However, due to the intense fighting near Kandahar city, India based personnel have been brought back for the time being. I want to emphasize that this is a purely temporary measure until the situation stabilizes. The Consulate continues to operate through our local staff members.

Arrangements are being made to ensure continued delivery of visa and consular services through our Embassy in Kabul.

As an important partner of Afghanistan's, India remains committed to a peaceful, sovereign and democratic Afghanistan."

After the Joe Biden administration has started withdrawing the US Armed Forces from Afghanistan, the Taliban has made rapid territorial gains in Afghanistan.

Last week, the district of Panjwai, less than hour's drive from Kandahar city, fell to Taliban fighters.