Photo Features

|

India mourns passing away of a ‘true partner’

When the fearless Commander Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim, one of the bravest sons of Afghanistan, passed away on 9 March 2014, India was quick to condole his untimely death. This Photo Feature highlights India’s participation at his funeral.

  • .
    . Rare is the occasion when five Indian Ambassadors to the same country gather together to pay homage. The Indian delegation to Marshal Fahim’s funeral consisted of Vice President Hamid Ansari (Ambassador to Afghanistan in 1989-90); Ambassador Vivek Katju (2002-05); Ambassador Rakesh Sood (2005-07); Ambassador Jayant Prasad (2008-10) and Ambassador Amar Sinha (2013 – till date).
  • .
    . Braving snow and poor weather conditions, Vice President Hamid Ansari and the Indian delegation for the funeral of Marshal Fahim landed in Kabul early on 11 March 2014.
  • .
    . Vice President Hamid Ansari recorded the customary condolence message.
  • .
    . In a rare gesture, Vice President Hamid Ansari joined President Karzai at the funeral prayer
  • .
    . Following the funeral, President Karzai and Vice President Hamid Ansari discussed the current situation in Afghanistan during which President Karzai assured that India would remain a ‘top priority’ for Afghanistan.
  • .
    . Vice President Hamid Ansari also visited the Indian Embassy and met the ITBP jawans and Embassy officials who are serving in difficult circumstances.
  • .
    . With work completed, the delegation returned to India the same evening.