I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on the Consulate General of India in Herat this morning.  We are greatly relieved that all staff and security personnel at the consulate are safe.

No words of gratitude would be enough for the bravery and skill with which the Afghan Security Forces and the Indian security detail at the Consulate have repulsed the attack. I also thank the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for their prompt and decisive response, and for their unstinting support over the years for the security of Indians in Afghanistan.

These attacks will neither succeed in undermining the close relations between India and Afghanistan, nor deter India from fulfilling its commitment to help the Afghan people in building a peaceful, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. India will continue to support Afghanistan in its brave fight against terrorism.