FOREIGN SECRETARY MISRI MEETS ACTING AFGHAN FM; AFFIRMS INDIA’S SUPPORT FOR ASSISTANCE, DISCUSSES CHABAHAR
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai on Wednesday to discuss various aspects of bilateral relations and regional developments.
In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared a picture of the meeting, saying, “Foreign Secy @VikramMisri met Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai today. Both sides discussed ongoing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, bilateral issues, and the security situation in the region.”
“India reiterated its commitment to continue providing humanitarian and development assistance to the Afghan people. It agreed to promote trade and commerce, including through the Chabahar Port. India will also extend its support to the health sector and the rehabilitation of refugees in the country,” the post added.
The foreign secretary emphasized India’s historic friendship with the Afghan people and the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. He conveyed India’s readiness to address Afghanistan’s urgent developmental needs.
“In view of the current need for development activities, it was decided that India would consider engaging in additional development projects in the near future, alongside the ongoing humanitarian assistance program,” the MEA statement said.
According to the MEA, India has so far dispatched significant aid to Afghanistan, including 50,000 metric tons of wheat, 300 tons of medicines, 27 tons of earthquake relief supplies, 40,000 liters of pesticides, 100 million polio doses, 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, 11,000 hygiene kits for a drug de-addiction program, 500 units of winter clothing, and 1.2 tons of stationery kits, among other items.
In response to a request from the Afghan side, India will provide additional material support, focusing on the health sector and refugee rehabilitation.
The two sides also explored opportunities to strengthen sports cooperation, with a focus on cricket, a sport that resonates deeply with Afghanistan’s youth. Additionally, they agreed to expand the utilization of the Chabahar Port to bolster trade, commerce, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
“The Afghan side acknowledged India’s security concerns and emphasized their sensitivity to these issues. Both parties agreed to remain in regular contact and continue dialogue at various levels,” the statement added.
