India has strongly condemned the barbaric attack at the Afghan National Army base in Kandahar province today. The Ministry of External Affairs said, India is gravely concerned at the recent escalation of terrorist violence against Afghanistan, despite hopes recently kindled by new strategies as well as efforts for bringing peace in the country. <br/><br/>It said, the terror attacks demonstrate that safe havens and support systems continue to be available to the terrorists. The Ministry said, the beginning of Afghan-owned and Afghan-led national reconciliation requires an end to violence. It said, states hosting the terrorists and their sanctuaries must eliminate them immediately and without distinction. It said, these concerns were also highlighted yesterday by the United Nations Security Council.<br/> <br/>The Ministry said, India expresses solidarity with the people and the Government of Afghanistan in these difficult times. It said, coming on the heels of similar tragedies in Paktia and Ghazni, India shares the grief of the families of the victims and the suffering of the Afghan people. 43 soldiers lost their lives in the attack.