New Delhi: India is set to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees forced out of Pakistan, which has escalated its repatriation campaign since 2023, citing security and economic reasons. The mass deportations have raised urgent humanitarian concerns.
The discussions between the two nations also include reviving India-backed development projects in Afghanistan. Historically, India has contributed significantly to infrastructure in Afghanistan, including dams, cricket stadiums, and community initiatives.
This development follows the first-ever talks between India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi. The conversation took place ahead of Muttaqi’s planned visits to Iran and China next week.
During the meeting, Afghanistan condemned the recent Pahalgam terror attack and dismissed Pakistani claims that Indian missiles had entered Afghan territory. An official statement noted, “India appreciated Afghanistan’s strong rejection of false narratives aimed at undermining trust between the two nations.”
Kabul has also sought easier visa access for Afghan traders. According to an Afghan statement, discussions centered on “deepening bilateral relations, expanding trade, and raising diplomatic engagement.”
Trade remains a priority, with both sides exploring ways to increase the current $1 billion bilateral trade volume. In a goodwill gesture, India allowed 160 Afghan trucks carrying dry fruits and nuts to enter via the Attari border, despite the Wagah-Attari crossing remaining closed for India-Pakistan trade.
The foreign ministers’ talks mark a step forward in India-Afghanistan relations. Earlier this year, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in January, followed by a meeting in April between Afghanistan’s acting FM and Joint Secretary Anand Prakash, who heads the MEA’s Pakistan, Afghanistan & Iran division.
India has been a consistent ally to Afghanistan, delivering 50,000 tonnes of wheat, 350 tonnes of medicines, and earthquake relief supplies since 2021. Additionally, New Delhi has offered 2,000 online scholarships to Afghan students—a move warmly received by Kabul.