India has swiftly dispatched 15 tonnes of emergency food supplies to northern Afghanistan following a devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Samangan, Balkh, and Baghlan provinces on Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 500. The tremor destroyed dozens of homes and shops, while landslides blocked the critical Balkh–Samangan highway, severely impeding rescue efforts. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed the relief handover in Kabul, announcing additional medical consignments en route to support the hardest-hit communities.

Photographs released by the Ministry of External Affairs captured Indian aid being unloaded in Kabul, highlighting New Delhi’s rapid humanitarian response despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties with the Taliban regime. Jaishankar held direct talks with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, conveying condolences and pledging sustained assistance. “Further supplies of medicines to reach soon,” he posted on X, underscoring India’s commitment to immediate crisis intervention.

This marks India’s second major relief operation in Afghanistan since September’s earlier quake, reinforcing its role as a leading regional donor since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover. New Delhi has delivered wheat, vaccines, and disaster aid through humanitarian corridors, navigating political sensitivities while prioritizing civilian welfare. The latest shipment targets Samangan, where structural damage and casualties were most severe.

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Monday’s outreach also signaled deepening engagement between India and the Taliban leadership. Muttaqi’s landmark visit to New Delhi last month paved the way for expanded dialogue on bilateral cooperation and regional stability. Jaishankar noted “improving people-to-people contacts” and mutual appreciation for shared perspectives on security dynamics, indicating cautious but pragmatic diplomacy.

As rescue operations continue amid blocked roads and rising needs, India’s prompt action stands as a beacon of solidarity. With more medical and food aid inbound, New Delhi reaffirms its unwavering support for Afghan civilians in crisis—bridging humanitarian imperatives with strategic regional outreach.

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