India condemns terror attack on Afghan army base

"We strongly condemn the barbaric attack today at the Afghan National Army base in Kandahar province," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

It said India is "gravely" concerned at the escalation of terrorist violence against Afghanistan, despite hopes kindled recently by new strategies as well as efforts for bringing peace in the country.

"Coming on the heels of similar tragedies in Paktia and Ghazni, we share the grief of the families of the victims and the suffering of the Afghan people," the MEA said.

It said the terror attacks "demonstrate" that safe havens and support systems continue to be available to terrorists.

"States hosting the terrorists and their sanctuaries must eliminate them immediately and without distinction," it said, seen as a clear reference to Pakistan.

The MEA said these concerns were also highlighted yesterday by the United Nations Security Council.

"The beginning of Afghan-owned and Afghan-led national reconciliation requires an end to violence," the MEA said.

It further said, "India expresses solidarity with the people and the Government of Afghanistan in these difficult times."

At least 43 Afghan soldiers were killed and nine wounded in a Taliban-claimed assault on a military base in southern Afghanistan which saw the insurgents blast their way into the compound with at least one explosives-laden Humvee, the Afghan defence ministry said.