India has committed additional humanitarian support to Afghanistan, focusing initially on health sector aid and refugee rehabilitation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the pledge during a meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai on Wednesday.
Both leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional developments during the meeting. The discussions came two days after India condemned Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan that killed 46 people, including women and children.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Misri emphasized India’s historic friendship with the Afghan people. He highlighted India’s readiness to address Afghanistan’s urgent developmental needs.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister appreciated India’s ongoing humanitarian programs. India has already provided 50,000 MTs of wheat, 300 tonnes of medicines, 27 tonnes of earthquake relief, 40,000 liters of pesticides, and 100 million polio doses. It has also sent 1.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, 11,000 hygiene kits, 500 winter clothing units, and 1.2 tonnes of stationery kits.
The two sides discussed expanding development projects and strengthening people-to-people ties. They also explored increasing cricket cooperation, which holds immense value for Afghanistan’s youth.
Both sides agreed to promote the use of Chabahar Port for trade and humanitarian assistance. They also addressed India’s security concerns, with Afghanistan assuring sensitivity to these issues. The two countries committed to maintaining regular contact at various levels.
India Condemns Pakistan’s Airstrikes On Afghanistan
India criticized Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in Afghanistan, calling them a deliberate attack on civilians. Pakistani fighter jets bombed parts of Barmal district in Paktika province on December 24, killing 46 people.
In March 2024, similar airstrikes by Pakistan had killed eight people, including three children. India’s MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the attacks, calling them part of Pakistan’s “old practice” of blaming neighbors for its internal failures.
“We unequivocally condemn any attack on innocent civilians,” Jaiswal said. He also noted Afghanistan’s strong response to the airstrikes.
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