India condemns Kabul attack, offers support

India on Wednesday denounced the terror attack in Kabul that claimed 80 lives, saying it "reflects the diabolical nature of the perpetrators and its supporters", and offered all help to the Afghan government.

The External Affairs Ministry said all staff members at the Indian Embassy were safe after the massive explosion.

At least 80 people were killed and around 350 others, including staff of some embassies, injured when a water tanker loaded with explosives blew up amid a deafening roar in the Afghan capital's diplomatic zone.

"India strongly deplores the heinous and reprehensible terrorist attack," the Ministry said in a statement.

"We share the grief of all peace-loving Afghans and convey our sincerest condolences to the government of Afghanistan and the families of victims of the mindless violence and wish speedy recovery to those injured.

"The continuing violence even during the holy and pious month of Ramazan reflects the diabolical nature of the perpetrators and its supporters."

The statement added that India was "ready to render any assistance to the government and the people of Afghanistan and all possible support to bring perpetrators of the attack to justice".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, now in Spain, denounced the Kabul mayhem.

"We strongly condemn the terrorist blast in Kabul. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and prayers with the injured," he tweeted.

"By God's grace, Indian Embassy staff are safe," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in a separate tweet.

--IANS

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