PM Modi writes to Afghan President, reaffirms India's support in fighting terrorism

Delhi: Prime Minister Modi on Sunday wrote to President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani and reaffirmed India's support in fighting all forms of terrorism.

"PM Modi condoles with Afghan President in a letter the barbaric terrorist attack of 21/4 at Mazar-e-Sharif," MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.

In another post he wrote, "PM Modi reaffirms India's steadfast support in fighting all forms of terrorism."

PM @narendramodi condoles w Afghan President @ashrafghani in a letter d barbaric terrorist attack of 21/4 at Mazar-e-Sharif. — Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) April 23, 2017

.@narendramodi @ashrafghani PM @narendramodi strongly condemns d attack. States India stands in solidarity w govt & p'pl of, offer all psbl assistance to d injured

— Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) April 23, 2017

.@narendramodi @ashrafghani PM @narendramodi reaffirms India's steadfast support to in fighting all forms of terrorism — Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) April 23, 2017

.@narendramodi @ashrafghani PM @narendramodi xprses faith tht Afghan p'pl n security forcs wil ovrcom all forcs agnst unity, peace, security, stblty & prsperty of — Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) April 23, 2017

Earlier on April 21 also, PM Modi had condemned the terror attack on a military base in northern Afghanistan and had said, "Strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Mazar-i- sharif. Our prayers and condolences to the families who lost loved ones.

Strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Mazar-i-sharif. Our prayers and condolences to the familes who lost loved ones. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2017

Meanwhile, Afghanistan today observed a national day of mourning after at least 100 soldiers were killed or wounded in the terror.

The exact toll from Friday's assault in the northern province of Balkh remains unclear, with some local officials putting the number of dead as high as 130, as per AFP.

Flags flew at half-mast throughout the country and special prayers were said for the dead.

Ten gunmen dressed in soldiers' uniforms and armed with suicide vests entered the base in Army trucks and opened fire at unarmed troops at close range in the base's mosque and dining hall.

Afghan troops and police, beset by killings and desertions, have been struggling to beat back insurgents since US-led NATO troops ended their combat mission in December 2014.

Afghan security force casualties soared by 35 percent in 2016, with 6,800 soldiers and police killed, according to US watchdog SIGAR.

(With Agency inputs)