India strongly condemns terror attack in Kabul

"India strongly condemns the barbaric and dastardly terrorist attacks in Kabul today that targeted innocent civilians and the wounded under treatment. This follows the cowardly terror attack on the children and civilians in Jalalabad on 24 January," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

"There can be no justification for such reprehensible attacks. The perpetrators of these attacks and their supporters should be brought to justice," it said.

"India stands in solidarity with the Government and the people of Afghanistan at this difficult times of mindless violence and terror imposed on them. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the next of kins of victims of these terror attacks and pray for speedy recovery to those injured. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance, including for treatment of those injured," the Indian government said.

At least 40 people were killed and 140 others were hurt as heavy bomb explosion hit Afghanistan capital Kabul city on Saturday, media reports said.

The incident occurred close to the Jamuriat Hospital in the capital city.

Nasrat Rahimi, Interior Ministry spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the explosion took place at a police checkpoint near the ministry’s old building, police headquarters and a High Peace Council office.

The Taliban group claimed responsibility for the attack, according to Iran’s Press TV.

Reports said the ambulance approached the checkpoint, close to an office of the High Peace Council and several foreign embassies, and blew up.

The injured people were rushed to hospital for treatment.

The blast occurred  at12:45 p.m. local time.

The fresh attack took place just days after the country witnessed a massive terrorist attack in Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel.

The attack left 22 people killed.

In another terror attack incident, at least four people were killed when Save the Children NGO was targeted in  Jalalabad city of the country.

The attack left dozens others injured.