Indian diplomat Kalra passes away at Kabul hospital

KABUL (Pajhwok): India’s consul-general in Afghanistan’s northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, has died at a hospital in Kabul.

Vinesh Kalra, who was suffering from Covid-19, died of a cardiac arrest at a Kabul hospital on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi announced.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, meanwhile, condoled the consul-general’s demise and appreciated his diplomatic services.

He tweeted: “A conscientious and dedicated colleague, he will be missed by us all. Sincerest condolences to his family.”

PTI news agency quoted Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi as hailing Kalra for demonstrating exemplary commitment to the national cause by volunteering for a posting under difficult conditions.

“He will be remembered fondly and missed by one & all. @MEAIndia will extend all possible support to his family,” Bagchi tweeted.

The Afghan ambassador to India also voiced his grief over the demise of Kalra. “We are deeply saddened by the death of Kalra, a great representative of India, dedicated to strengthen Indo-Afghan relations.”

PAN Monitor/mud