India on Friday reiterated its continued humanitarian assistance and development cooperation with Afghanistan, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Afghan people through medical aid, essential supplies and ongoing development projects. The statement came amid renewed regional tensions following reported civilian casualties in cross-border strikes inside Afghanistan.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly briefing in New Delhi that India had strongly condemned reported airstrikes carried out from Pakistan into Afghanistan, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of civilians, including women and children. He added that India had expressed condolences over the loss of lives and reiterated its support for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The MEA further stated that India continues to maintain an active humanitarian assistance programme for Afghanistan. This includes the regular supply of medicines and other essential support, along with development-oriented initiatives aimed at improving living conditions for the Afghan population. Officials said these efforts remain ongoing despite the evolving regional security situation.
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The comments come in the backdrop of reports from Afghan authorities alleging civilian casualties in airstrikes across multiple provinces, including Paktika, Paktia and Kunar. According to Afghan officials cited in reports, dozens of civilians were killed and many others injured in incidents involving strikes on residential areas, prompting international concern over the humanitarian impact.
India has maintained a steady flow of aid to Afghanistan in recent months, including shipments of essential medicines and vaccines. On June 17, New Delhi sent five tonnes of medical supplies to Kabul, while on May 22 it delivered 20 tonnes of vaccines, including BCG and Tetanus-Diphtheria doses, to support immunisation programmes for children.
Officials have emphasised that India’s engagement with Afghanistan remains focused on humanitarian priorities, with an emphasis on healthcare, development assistance and support for civilian welfare, even as the broader geopolitical situation in the region remains complex and unstable.
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