Afghanistan has been taken over by the Taliban after President Ashraf Ghani and his top ministers resigned and fled the country on Sunday. With the Taliban taking control over Kabul, countries such as India are struggling to repatriate their citizens and embassy staff from Afghanistan.

India on Monday said that priority will be given to Hindus and Sikhs from Afghanistan once commercial flight service starts from Kabul. Many visuals of Afghans gathered at the airport to leave the country have gone viral.

India said it would "facilitate repatriation to India of those who wish to leave Afghanistan. The government is taking all measures to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals and our interests in Afghanistan."

Foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi speaking to reporters said that the situation in Afghanistan is becoming worse with each passing day and added that they are in constant touch with the representatives of Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities.

He asserted, "There are also a number of Afghans who have been our partners in the promotion of our mutual developmental, educational and people to people endeavours. We will stand by them." The commercial flight operations from the Kabul airport have been suspended. Over 200 Indians have yet to be evacuated from Kabul, including Foreign Ministry personnel and paramilitary forces stationed for their protection.

India’s Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti said the situation was of great concern to India. He added, "As a neighbour of Afghanistan and a friend to its people, the situation is of great concern to us in India. Everyone is concerned about the increasing violations of the fundamental rights of Afghan citizens."