New Delhi, Oct 10 (NationPress) India has announced its intention to enhance its collaboration in development cooperation projects in Afghanistan, focusing on vital areas such as healthcare, public infrastructure, and capacity-building, in light of the war-torn nation's urgent needs for economic revitalization.

India has also shown its commitment to aid the Afghan government in rebuilding residential structures in regions impacted by recent earthquakes, as stated in the Joint Statement following the meeting between External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in New Delhi.

Both parties explored various mutual interests and significant regional developments.

During their discussions, EAM Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s longstanding friendship with the Afghan populace and emphasized the profound cultural and historical connections that unite the two nations. He conveyed India’s unwavering dedication to supporting the aspirations and developmental necessities of the Afghan people.

The External Affairs Minister expressed sorrow over the fatalities caused by the recent catastrophic earthquake in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, while Muttaqi acknowledged India’s role as the first responder to the disaster and its provision of relief supplies.

As a token of goodwill, India has gifted 20 ambulances to the Afghan people, with a ceremonial handover conducted by the EAM after his meeting with the Afghan Foreign Minister.

India's ongoing healthcare initiatives in Afghanistan include several projects, such as the establishment of a Thalassemia Centre, a Modern Diagnostic Centre, and the upgrading of the heating system at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH) in Kabul. Furthermore, a 30-bed hospital will be constructed in Kabul’s Bagrami district, alongside an Oncology Centre and a Trauma Centre, as well as five Maternity Health Clinics in the provinces of Paktika, Khost, and Paktia. Approximately 75 prosthetic limbs have been successfully fitted to Afghan citizens, which received widespread appreciation from both the Afghan government and the international community. India will also persist in delivering medical assistance and high-quality healthcare services to Afghan nationals,” stated the India-Afghanistan Joint Statement.

The two parties reviewed the advancement of Indian humanitarian aid initiatives in Afghanistan, including the distribution of food grains, social support items, school supplies, disaster relief materials, and pesticides.

The External Affairs Minister reiterated India’s commitment to continuing such support, while the Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its extensive and generous humanitarian assistance, which includes essential material aid to meet the urgent needs of repatriated refugees in Afghanistan,” the statement highlighted.

In terms of capacity-building, India continues to offer scholarships to Afghan students through the e-ICCR scholarship scheme. Other options for Afghan students to study at Indian universities under the ICCR and additional scholarship programs are currently being considered,” it added.

Both parties welcomed the launch of the India-Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor, which is expected to enhance direct trade and commerce between the two nations. This new corridor is anticipated to streamline connectivity and increase bilateral trade. The Afghan side has invited Indian companies to invest in the mining sector to bolster bilateral trade and commercial relations.

Appreciating India’s efforts in the construction and maintenance of the India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) in Herat, both parties emphasized the significance of sustainable water management and agreed to collaborate on hydroelectric projects to address Afghanistan’s energy needs and support its agricultural growth,” detailed the Joint Statement.

During the discussions, EAM Jaishankar expressed profound gratitude to Afghanistan for its robust condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and for the heartfelt condolences and solidarity extended to the people and Government of India. Both parties categorically condemned all terrorist acts originating from regional nations and stressed the importance of fostering peace, stability, and mutual trust in the region.

Both parties stressed the importance of respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The External Affairs Minister acknowledged the Afghan side’s understanding of India’s security concerns. The Afghan Foreign Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Afghan government to prevent any group or individual from using Afghanistan’s territory against India,” it was stated.

The two sides also explored ways to enhance collaboration in sports, particularly cricket, to promote cultural exchange.