India Considers Engaging in Development Initiatives in Afghanistan Following Dubai Meeting with Muttaqi
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New Delhi/Dubai, Jan 8 (NationPress) India has committed to enhancing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, particularly targeting the health sector and refugee rehabilitation, as discussed during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's meeting with Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai on Wednesday.
During this pivotal meeting, Misri and Muttaqi deliberated on a range of topics related to bilateral ties and regional dynamics. This discussion occurred just two days after India condemned the recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 46 individuals, including numerous women and children.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that the Foreign Secretary reiterated India's longstanding friendship with the people of Afghanistan and the robust people-to-people connections that exist between the two nations. In light of this, he expressed India’s willingness to address the urgent developmental needs of the Afghan populace.
As the two parties assessed the current Indian humanitarian assistance initiatives, the Afghan Minister expressed gratitude towards Indian leadership for their continued support and engagement with the Afghan people.
"Given the urgent demand for developmental initiatives, it has been decided that India will consider participating in development projects shortly, in addition to the ongoing humanitarian support programs," according to a statement from the MEA.
In response to the pressing needs of the Afghan population, India has previously sent various shipments that include 50,000 MTs of wheat, 300 tonnes of medicines, 27 tonnes of earthquake relief supplies, 40,000 litres of pesticides, 100 million doses of polio vaccine, 1.5 million doses of Covid vaccine, 11,000 hygiene kits for drug de-addiction, 500 winter clothing units, and 1.2 tonnes of stationery over the last few years.
During the discussions, both sides also explored the enhancement of sports collaboration, particularly in cricket, which holds significant value for Afghanistan's youth.
Furthermore, an agreement was made to encourage the use of Chabahar port to facilitate trade and commercial activities, including humanitarian aid for Afghanistan.
"The Afghan representatives acknowledged India's security concerns. Both parties agreed to maintain communication and continue regular interactions at various levels," stated the MEA.
The airstrikes conducted by Pakistani forces on December 24 had resulted in 46 casualties, prompting widespread condemnation and a stern warning from Afghanistan's current regime.
This incident marked the second time in 2024 that Islamabad targeted "civilian areas" within Afghan territory, as similar strikes in March had claimed the lives of eight individuals, including three children.
On Monday, India condemned these airstrikes, asserting that Pakistan routinely blames its neighbors for internal issues.
"We have taken note of reports regarding airstrikes against Afghan civilians, including women and children, leading to significant loss of life," stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
"We categorically denounce any attacks on innocent civilians. It is a recurring pattern for Pakistan to deflect its internal failures onto neighboring states. We also acknowledge the response from an Afghan spokesperson regarding this matter," he added.
