Did India Deliver Food Supplies to Afghanistan During Muttaqi’s Visit?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India continues its humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
- Food supplies delivered to earthquake victims.
- Five ambulances handed over to Afghanistan.
- Support for health infrastructure with new medical equipment.
- Commitment to long-term projects for Afghan development.
New Delhi, Oct 10 (NationPress) As part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, announced on Friday that India has sent additional food supplies to Afghanistan for those impacted by the recent earthquake.
“India has dispatched extra food supplies as part of its continuous humanitarian outreach to those suffering from the earthquake,” Jaiswal stated on X.
The MEA spokesperson further revealed that this announcement was made by EAM Jaishankar during his meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Earlier, EAM Jaishankar held discussions with his Afghan counterpart in New Delhi, covering various topics including India’s support for Afghanistan's development, bilateral trade, territorial integrity, and mutual cooperation among people.
EAM Jaishankar emphasized that Muttaqi's visit to India signifies an “important step” in enhancing bilateral relations. He also reported the transfer of five ambulances to Afghanistan.
Highlighting India's long-standing assistance to Afghanistan, he mentioned, “India has consistently supported the health security of Afghanistan, especially during the Covid pandemic. We are now prepared to commit to six new projects, details of which will be shared after our discussions conclude. A gift of 20 ambulances is another sign of goodwill, and I would like to present you with 5 of them personally as a symbolic gesture.”
“India will also supply MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals and provide vaccines for immunization and cancer treatments. We have previously delivered drug rehabilitation materials through UNODC and are willing to do more. As a first responder, Indian relief supplies reached the earthquake sites within hours of the disaster last month. We aim to aid in the reconstruction of housing in the affected areas. India continues to be a major provider of food assistance to the Afghan population. A fresh consignment will be arriving in Kabul today,” he added.
Muttaqi underscored that Kabul has always prioritized good relations with India and assured that Afghanistan will not permit its territory to be used against other nations.
“In the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, India was the first responder. Afghanistan regards India as a close friend. We seek relations founded on mutual respect, trade, and interpersonal connections,” he asserted.