Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – India has expressed its intention to engage more actively with the “government of the people of Afghanistan” on humanitarian aid and development cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday. This move is part of India’s broader strategy to continue supporting Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
In a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the recent meeting between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai earlier this month. Describing the meeting as the “highest level of engagement” since the change in Kabul’s leadership, Jaiswal emphasized India’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in key areas such as humanitarian assistance and development projects.
“We have a technical mission in Kabul and have engaged at various levels with Afghan officials. This meeting marks a significant step forward in our engagement,” Jaiswal said. He further stressed that India aims to continue building on its long-standing relationship with Afghanistan through enhanced support in sectors like health, development, and sports.
India has already taken steps to bolster its ties with Afghanistan, notably through the Chabahar port, which offers a strategic trade route. Additionally, India’s contributions to the Afghan health sector and refugee rehabilitation are expected to grow in the coming months.
The MEA spokesperson also pointed to India’s efforts in strengthening cultural and sporting ties, mentioning the involvement of Afghan cricket players in the Indian Premier League (IPL). These initiatives, Jaiswal noted, reflect India’s broader approach to fostering stronger ties and bringing more benefits to Afghanistan’s people.
