"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the senseless attack that took place in Kabul today, in the vicinity of the Indian Embassy and the Afghan Ministry of the Interior," Michelle Montas, spokesperson for Ban, told journalists.

"The Secretary-General offers his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and his best wishes for a swift recovery to those that were injured," Montas said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing and added that the Indian embassy "was the main target".

"The United States condemns the bombing today near the Indian embassy and Ministry of Interior in Kabul that has killed several people and wounded many more," Ian Kelly, the State Department spokesperson said.

While 17 Afghan civilians were killed in the attack, three ITBP personnel were also injured.
"India will not be intimidated by these criminal killers. We will take all steps necessary to protect Indian lives and installations in Afghanistan," Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for external affairs, said in a Twitter posting.

The EU also condemned the suicide bombing, which comes at a time when President Barack Obama is deliberating the way forward in Afghanistan.