India plans to send tonnes of food, medical aid to Afghanistan amid crisis
Afghanistan -India is working on sending crucial food and medical aid to Afghanistan amid the underlying humanitarian and economic crises in the Taliban–controlled nation. According to media reports, India will be transporting around 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat and medical aid to Afghanistan via the Attari-Wagah border.
Previously, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) held discussions with Indian officials for food donations to Afghanistan in order to bring the country out of crisis. Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the WFP country director in Afghanistan, has also raised concerns over a looming threat of mass starvation in Afghanistan due to food crises in the coming winter.
During a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had underlined the need for ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
“Among the challenges that the current situation poses is that of efficient logistics. It is therefore essential that humanitarian assistance providers are accorded unimpeded, unrestricted and direct access to Afghanistan,” Jaishankar had said.
Jaishankar’s statement echoed PM Modi’s call for urgent and unhindered humanitarian assistance for affected Afghan people in the country.
Related Posts
UAE continues to support Afghanistan
India’s humanitarian efforts for Afghanistan have come in line with the UAE’s continuous food and medical aid for Afghan people. Last month, the UAE sent a plane carrying urgent medical and food aid to Afghanistan as part of its humanitarian assistance to fulfill the basic requirements of thousands of Afghan families. Under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the UAE has also hosted thousands of Afghan families and ensured the provision of necessary assistance to the war-hit Afghan community. The UAE also worked with relevant international partners to facilitate global relief efforts in Afghanistan.
In addition, both the UAE and India have called on the international community to strengthen their assistance in Afghanistan amid the ongoing conflict.
UAE-India boost ties
It is important to note that India and UAE have been ensuring various efforts to expand their bilateral ties. Earlier this week, foreign ministers of India, the UAE, the US and Israel held a virtual meeting with the aim of boosting their ties in West Asian geopolitics.
During the meeting, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan hailed the strong and diverse relationship shared by India and UAE. On the other hand, India extended support towards the success of the Abraham Accords, noting that it has always supported “peace and stability in West Asia”.
