PM Modi talks to Germany's Angela Merkel about Afghanistan situation post Taliban siege

Prime Minister Narendra Modi h a telephonic conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday, August 23, to discuss unfolding security situation in Afghanistan and its implications on region and world. y emphasized importance of maintaining peace and security, with topmost priority being repatriation of stranded citizens, PM's office said in a statement. 

two leers also discussed issues concerning bilateral and multilateral nda, including cooperation in COVID-19 vaccines, development cooperation with a focus on climate, energy, and fostering tre and ecomic relations. During dialogue, PM Modi reiterated government's commitment to strengning India-Germany Strategic Partnership. 

Angela Merkel’s conversation with PM Modi could be her last one in office, as Chancellor's 16 year-long tenure is about to end this September. Germany will go for polls on September 26 with Armin Laschet as Merkel’s would-be successor.

Germany's repatriation efforts in Kabul

Earlier on Wednesday, Merkel spoke to US President Joe Biden about situation in Afghanistan and stressed importance of evacuating as many Afghans as possible, who supported German military and civilian efforts in country. According to Merkel's office, two leers spoke on phone and agreed to fly out as many people, in need of protection, as possible. 

Germany has flown over 500 people out of Afghanistan, including 200 Afghan citizens, since Sunday, August 15, when Taliban overthrew Ashraf Ghani government. 

As per information received by German foreign minister, at present, re are hundreds, if t thousands of people outside gates of Kabul airport, and region is witnessing sporic outbursts of violence. He said that Germany is also trying to bring supplies of food to Kabul to provide for those waiting to be evacuated and has a Medevac plane in region.