India’s commitment to aiding Afghanistan remains steadfast amid the country’s escalating humanitarian crisis. In response to urgent appeals from UN agencies and in light of Afghanistan’s deteriorating situation, India has extended a range of humanitarian support to the Afghan people.
This assistance encompasses a wide spectrum of aid, ranging from essential medical supplies to combat the ongoing health crisis. India has contributed almost 200 tonnes of crucial medicines, including Covid-19 vaccines, anti-tuberculosis medications, and various medical and surgical items.
Moreover, recognizing the alarming food scarcity in Afghanistan, India has stepped up its efforts to address this pressing issue. The Indian government has collaborated with the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) to facilitate the internal distribution of wheat within Afghanistan. Through this partnership, India has dispatched a substantial 47,500 metric tonnes of wheat to UNWFP centers across the country. Notably, this wheat is now being transported via Iran’s Chabahar port and subsequently delivered to UNWFP facilities in Heart, a shift from the previous route through Pakistan’s Wagah-Attari land border crossing.
The impact of India’s contributions has not gone unnoticed in Afghanistan. Key stakeholders, including the UNWFP, have expressed their appreciation for India’s generosity. In a recent tweet, WFP Afghanistan acknowledged India as a vital contributor, highlighting that, in the first half of the year, 16 million people in Afghanistan received life-saving food aid, thanks to donors like India.
In summary, India remains dedicated to providing essential assistance to Afghanistan, including medical aid and vital food supplies, as part of its ongoing commitment to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
