How is India Assisting Afghanistan After the Earthquake?
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Synopsis
In the wake of a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaches out to express condolences and offers aid. Learn how India is stepping up to support its neighbor in this dire moment of need.
Key Takeaways
- India has pledged to assist Afghanistan following a devastating earthquake.
- 1,000 family tents and 15 tonnes of food supplies are being sent to Kabul.
- The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.0 and resulted in significant loss of life.
- Both Indian and Afghan officials are coordinating to ensure timely delivery of aid.
- Rescue operations are ongoing in remote areas affected by the earthquake.
New Delhi/Kabul, Sep 1 (NationPress) - On Monday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar reached out to Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, to express his condolences for the tragic loss of life due to the recent earthquake that devastated the war-torn nation on Sunday night. Wishing for a swift recovery for those injured, the EAM pledged India's unwavering support to Afghanistan during this period of mourning and confirmed that assistance in the form of food and relief supplies will be dispatched to Kabul.
EAM Jaishankar announced that 1,000 family tents were delivered to Kabul on Monday, following the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that impacted eastern Afghanistan.
"I spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi today. I conveyed my condolences for the lives lost in the earthquake. We have delivered 1,000 family tents today in Kabul, and 15 tonnes of food supplies are being promptly transported from the Indian Mission in Kabul to Kunar. Additional relief materials will follow from India starting tomorrow. We wish for the speedy recovery of those injured. India stands resolutely with Afghanistan during this challenging time," Jaishankar shared on X.
Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed the phone call between Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and EAM Jaishankar. The statement indicated that Muttaqi expressed gratitude for India's help and assured timely delivery of the aid to those affected.
In a statement shared on X, the MFA noted, "The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Hon. Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi, had a telephone conversation with his Indian counterpart, Dr. Jaishankar. The Indian Foreign Minister expressed his condolences over the loss of lives due to the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan and also expressed his condolences.
"The aid, which includes 1,000 tents and 15 tonnes of food supplies, was announced to be handed over to the Islamic Emirate. He also stated that his country would provide further necessary assistance in medicine and food. The Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to India's Foreign Minister, Mr. Jaishankar, for their solidarity in this tragic event. He thanked India for its support of the Afghan people and assured timely aid delivery to those in need," the statement added.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the catastrophic earthquake in Afghanistan, which has resulted in 812 fatalities thus far, and indicated India's readiness to extend humanitarian assistance.
"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this trying time, and we wish a swift recovery for the injured. India stands prepared to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those impacted," PM Modi posted on X.
EAM Jaishankar also expressed serious concern regarding the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province. He communicated solidarity with the Afghan populace and assured India's assistance in this crucial time.
"The devastating earthquake in Kunar Province of Afghanistan is a matter of great concern. We express our support and solidarity to the Afghan people as they respond to it. India will provide assistance in this moment of need. Our condolences go out to the families of the victims, and our prayers are for the prompt recovery of the injured," Jaishankar posted on X.
Meanwhile, rescue teams are traversing remote areas with limited communication to evaluate the full extent of the damage and provide aid, with officials noting that the toll is preliminary as efforts continue, as reported by official media.
The 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit the eastern part of Afghanistan at 11:47 PM local time on Sunday, occurring at a depth of eight kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Afghanistan is particularly susceptible to earthquakes as it is situated atop several fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian plates converge. The mountainous regions of eastern Afghanistan are also vulnerable to landslides, complicating rescue operations.
Point of View
It is imperative that we recognize India's proactive role in providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan during this crisis. The outreach by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscores India's commitment to its neighbors in times of need. This gesture of solidarity reinforces the importance of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian disasters.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of the earthquake in Afghanistan?
The earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan had a magnitude of 6.0.
How many tents is India sending to Afghanistan?
India is sending 1,000 family tents to Afghanistan to assist those affected by the earthquake.
What other aid is India providing to Afghanistan?
In addition to tents, India is also delivering 15 tonnes of food supplies to Afghanistan.
Who is the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan?
The Foreign Minister of Afghanistan is Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.
What is the current situation for rescue teams in Afghanistan?
Rescue teams are navigating remote areas with limited communication to assess the full extent of the damage and provide aid.
