Afghan president calls Modi, condemns Pathankot attack

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Monday made a telephone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strongly condemned the terror attack in Pathankot that claimed the lives of seven security personnel. Ghani also briefed Modi on the attack on the Indian mission in Mazar-e-Sharif.

"He (Ghani) strongly condemned the cross-border terrorist attack in Pathankot and extended condolences at the loss of lives in the attack," the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

At least seven security personnel lost their lives and four terrorists were killed in Saturday's audacious attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot.

Ghani also briefed Modi on Sunday's terrorist attack on the Indian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif in which two of the attackers were killed.

He also "expressed support at the loss of lives and property in the earthquake in India", the statement said.

An earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale jolted the northeastern states and West Bengal early on Monday, killing five people in Manipur and injuring more than 60 across the region.

Thanking Ghani, Modi "expressed deep appreciation for the exemplary bravery and courage shown by the Afghan National Security Forces in thwarting the terrorist attack in Mazar-e-Sharif and ensuring security and safety of the Indian consulate and personnel", the statement said.

"The prime minister conveyed that India would always stand with the people of Afghanistan," it added.