In his first meeting with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar outlined India’s wide-ranging engagement with the Taliban-ruled country and announced the reopening of India’s embassy in Kabul.
On the embassy, Jaishankar said, “India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. To enhance that, I am pleased to announce the upgrading of India’s technical mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India.”
He said, “Your visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan.”
Highlighting India’s support for Afghanistan’s development, he added, “As a contiguous neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress. Today I reaffirm our longstanding partnership that has seen so many Indian projects in Afghanistan stand renewed. We can discuss the maintenance and repairs of finished projects, as well as steps to complete others to which we have already committed.”
On medical aid, Jaishankar noted India’s contributions to Afghanistan’s health sector, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, “We are now ready to commit to six new projects, whose details can be announced after the conclusion of our talks. A gift of 20 ambulances is another gesture of goodwill, and I would like to hand over five of them to you personally as a symbolic step. India will also provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals, deliver vaccines for immunisation, and supply cancer medicines.”
Jaishankar also spoke about trade, education, and sports: “We have a shared interest in boosting trade and commerce. I am glad to note the commencement of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi. Our educational and capacity-building programs have long nurtured Afghan youth, and we will expand avenues for Afghan students to pursue studies at Indian universities. Sports is another longstanding connection, and the emergence of Afghan cricket talent is truly impressive.”
Addressing cross-border terrorism, he said, “We have a common commitment towards growth and prosperity. There are endangered by the shared threat of cross-border terrorism that both our nations face. We must coordinate efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We appreciate your sensitivity towards India’s security concerns. Your solidarity with us in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack was noteworthy.”
On humanitarian assistance, Jaishankar added, “As a first responder, Indian relief materials were delivered to the earthquake sites within hours of the disaster last month. We would like to contribute to the reconstruction of residences in the affected areas. India has also been a significant provider of food assistance to the Afghan people.”
