New Delhi, Nov 3 (UNI) Reaffirming its support to the Afghan people, India today delivered 15 tonnes of food items to Afghanistan for families affected by the 6.3 Richter earthquake that hit the northern parts of the country.
The food aid comes as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a phone talk with the Afghan Taliban FM Amir Khan Muttaqi to offer condolences over the deaths caused by the quake in north Afghanistan, and reiterate that India will always stand by Afghanistan.
India’s aid of food items today comes a day after New Delhi provided over 16 tonnes of medicines and diagnostic kits for vector-borne diseases to Afghanistan as part of its ongoing humanitarian assistance, handing them over to the Ministry of Public Health.
The aid supports Afghanistan’s National Programme for the Prevention of Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Diseases and aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to combat illnesses such as malaria, dengue, and leishmaniasis.
In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said: “Called FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan this afternoon to convey condolences at the loss of lives in the earthquake that struck Balkh, Samangan and Baghlan provinces.
“Indian relief material for the earthquake impacted communities is being handed over today. Further supplies of medicines to reach soon.
“Discussed progress in our bilateral relationship since his visit. Welcomed the improving people-to-people contacts between India and Afghanistan.
“Appreciated the exchange of views on the regional situation.”
The EAM’s call came in the wake of the strong 6.3 quake that struck near Mazar-e-Sharif, in northern Afghanistan early this morning.
According to reports, at least 20 people were killed and over 300 injured. The quake’s epicentre was near Khulm, affecting Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan provinces. The historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif also sustained some damage in the quake.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in a statement, said that Afghan Taliban Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, held a telephone conversation with his Indian counterpart, Mr. Dr. Jaishankar.
The Indian Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Jaishankar, expressed condolences over the damages caused by last night’s earthquake in the northern provinces of Afghanistan and announced the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to the Islamic Emirate, including 15 tons of food items.
He added that his country will soon provide additional necessary aid in the areas of medicine and food. The country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked the Indian Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Jaishankar, for sharing grief, expressing sympathy, and assisting the Afghan people in this earthquake disaster, and assured the timely delivery of these aids to the needy
In conclusion, both sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations and regional issues, and emphasized following up on the outcomes of the recent visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to India.
The phone call between the two foreign ministers comes nearly a month after the visit of Afghan Taliban FM Muttaqi to New Delhi and his talks with the EAM, following which India has upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy.
In September, India had rushed humanitarian assistance in the form of food items, blankets, tents, medicines and other stuff in the wake of the quake that hit Kunar province.
