Afghan Minister Ataullah Omari arrives in India for official visit
New Delhi, July 7
Afghanistan's Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Mawlawi Ataullah Omari arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and holding discussions on matters of shared interest between the two countries.
Extending a warm welcome to the Afghan Minister, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took to X and posted: "Looking forward to engaging discussions on issues of mutual interest."
This visit comes amid escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with several Afghan citizens killed and injured during recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan provinces.
India had strongly condemned the airstrikes on Afghan territory, stating that it reflects "Pakistan's persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and its futile attempt to externalise internal failures through desperate acts of violence beyond its borders."
Last week, India expressed commitment to supporting Kabul through aid and development projects, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian assistance cooperation with Afghanistan,
"We had strongly condemned the airstrikes that happened from Pakistan into Afghanistan, in which several civilian lives, including women and children, were lost. We had offered our condolences on the passing away of precious lives, and we had also at the same time reiterated our strong support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Afghanistan," the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.
"As far as in terms of support with Afghanistan, we have an ongoing humanitarian assistance cooperation. We have been sending them medicines. We have been sending them other support, and we have also been offering development projects which can bring benefit to the lives of people there, and that continues," he added.
Notably, India has been providing humanitarian support to Afghanistan, including through the supply of essential medicines and other aid.
On June 17, India delivered another five tonnes of essential medicines to Kabul, reflecting its long-standing commitment to the welfare and well-being of the Afghan people.
On May 22, India delivered 20 tonnes of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td) vaccines to Kabul to boost immunisation efforts among Afghan children.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate India's consistent humanitarian support, but we need to be clear-eyed. The Taliban government still has serious human rights issues, especially for women. We can help the Afghan people without legitimizing the regime. The vaccines and medicines are vital though—children shouldn't suffer for politics.
Interesting move by India. Engaging with the Taliban government while maintaining humanitarian focus is pragmatic. Pakistan's reckless airstrikes only push Afghanistan closer to India—classic case of shooting yourself in the foot. The vaccines delivery shows India's soft power at work.
Finally, our government is doing something right on foreign policy! We need to counter Pakistan's influence in Afghanistan. The airstrikes were a desperate act by Pakistan, and India's strong condemnation was spot on. Keep the aid flowing—it's good for our strategic interests too. 😊
Hoping this visit leads to tangible outcomes for ordinary Afghans. India's medical aid is commendable, but long-term stability needs more than just medicines. The regional tension with Pakistan is concerning—India should push for de-escalation while protecting Afghan sovereignty.
Pakistan's airstrikes killing women and children—this is why the world must isolate them. India's response was mature and principled. Sending vaccines and medicines is the least we can do. But I hope we also help Afghanistan rebuild its agriculture sector; that's real long-term support.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.