New Delhi, October 10, 2025 — India on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to expand development cooperation with Afghanistan, emphasizing support for healthcare, infrastructure, and capacity-building to aid the country’s economic recovery.
The decision followed a high-level meeting between External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi. A Joint Statement issued after the meeting underlined India’s resolve to continue its humanitarian assistance and strengthen long-term developmental engagement with Afghanistan.
Strengthening Healthcare Partnership
As a special gesture, India gifted 20 ambulances to the Afghan people, symbolizing continued solidarity and support.
Under India’s healthcare cooperation, several key projects are being implemented, including:
- A Thalassemia Centre and Modern Diagnostic Centre in Kabul.
- Replacement of the heating system at Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH).
- Construction of a 30-bed hospital, Oncology Centre, and Trauma Centre in Kabul.
- Establishment of five Maternity Health Clinics in Paktika, Khost, and Paktia provinces.
Additionally, 75 prosthetic limbs have already been fitted for Afghan nationals—an initiative widely appreciated by the Afghan government and international community.
Humanitarian and Development Support
India’s ongoing humanitarian programmes include the supply of food grains, school stationery, disaster relief materials, and pesticides.
EAM Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s pledge to continue this assistance, particularly for forcibly repatriated refugees.
Empowering Afghan Youth
India continues to support Afghan students through ICCR scholarships and the e-ICCR programme, enabling them to pursue higher education in Indian universities.
Expanding Trade and Connectivity
The two nations welcomed the launch of the India–Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor, which will enhance direct trade and commerce. Afghanistan has also invited Indian companies to invest in the mining and energy sectors, strengthening bilateral economic ties.
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Partnership in Water and Energy
Both sides praised India’s role in constructing and maintaining the India–Afghanistan Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) in Herat and agreed to work together on hydroelectric and water management projects to support Afghanistan’s agriculture and energy security.
Commitment to Peace and Stability
The two leaders reiterated a joint stand against terrorism, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and regional stability. The Afghan government assured that no group or individual would be allowed to use Afghan soil against India.
Strengthening Cultural and Sports Ties
Discussions also covered sports and cultural cooperation, particularly in cricket, as a means to deepen people-to-people relations between the two nations.
Dr. Jaishankar also expressed gratitude for Afghanistan’s strong condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, appreciating its expression of solidarity with India.
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