In Afghanistan, at least 17 people have been killed and 30 injured in a suicide bomb blast in the capital, Kabul. The dead include four Indians, a Frenchman, an Italian and two policemen. The main blast was followed by several smaller ones, and gunfire was heard on the streets. Afghan police say they shot dead two attackers. The blast happened near the nine-storey Kabul City Center shopping area, close to the Safi Landmark Hotel, mostly used by Indians. Parts of the city have been sealed off. A spokesman for the Taliban contacted news agencies to say its fighters were responsible for the attack. India has strongly condemned the terror attack in Kabul. The External Affairs Ministry Spokesman, Vishnu Prakash said that they are in touch with Indian mission in Kabul as well as Afghan authorities to ascertain the facts. He said that there have been Indian casualties and injuries. The spokesman said that India's relationship with Afghanistan is strong and deep and will remain so and the forces of terror will not be allowed to succeed. He said that everything will be done at their command to see that these forces of terror are defeated. Mr. Vishnu Prakash said that India is in the forefront in providing assistance to Afghanistan in diverse areas in accordance with the wishes of people and Government of Afghanistan.The Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari has strongly condemned the dastardly terrorist attack in Kabul which killed and injured many persons including Indian citizens. He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the Indian citizens killed and injured in the attack. Mr. Ansari reaffirmed the resolve to continue the fight against terorrism.