MEA Press Conference: Foreign Ministry Spokesman Arundham Bagchi addressed a press conference on Thursday. He also spoke about the opening of an Indian embassy in Afghanistan, talks with China and the purchase of oil from Russia.

On India’s plans to increase oil imports from Russia, Arndam Bagchi said, “India’s position on oil purchases will be based on the country’s energy security needs.” On the other hand, regarding the reopening of the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan, Bagchi said that a multi-member team led by Joint Secretary JP Singh was in Kabul. The team will meet with senior Taliban members. He will also meet with representatives of international organizations involved in providing humanitarian assistance.

Local workers are helping to provide humanitarian assistance, he said. India has historical and cultural ties with the Afghan people and these long-standing ties will continue to guide our vision.

“Due to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan after August 15 last year, it was decided to bring back our personnel stationed in India. However, local staff continued to maintain the embassy premises,” said Arndam Baghchi. At the same time, on the Indo-China border talks, he said that we are looking forward to the next 16th round of Senior Commanders Meeting soon.