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Key Points

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar personally handed over five ambulances to Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Muttaqi during their meeting in New Delhi. In a significant diplomatic move, India announced the upgrading of its Technical Mission in Kabul to full embassy status. The visit marks the first high-level delegation from Kabul since the Taliban took control in August 2021. India also committed to six new development projects and additional medical equipment including MRI machines and vaccines for Afghan hospitals.

Key Points: Jaishankar Hands Ambulances to Afghan FM Muttaqi in Delhi Visit

  • Jaishankar personally handed over five ambulances as symbolic goodwill gesture
  • India announced upgrading Kabul Technical Mission to full embassy status
  • Six new development projects for Afghanistan to be detailed after talks
  • Medical aid includes MRI machines, vaccines and cancer medicines
  • This marks first high-level Taliban delegation visit since 2021 takeover
  • India reaffirmed commitment to Afghan health security and development
3 min read

Gesture of goodwill: EAM Jaishankar hands over five ambulances to Afghanistan FM Muttaqi

India upgrades Kabul mission to embassy status as EAM Jaishankar gifts ambulances and medical equipment to Afghanistan, signaling strengthened bilateral ties.

"India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan - S Jaishankar"

New Delhi, October 10

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar handed over five ambulances as a "gesture of goodwill" to Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Friday here in the national capital.

The five ambulances are a part of the gift of 20 ambulances to Afghanistan as a gesture of goodwill.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1976580872901136665?t=CiksU5p1xr9L3-wTrzOTJw&s=08

In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Also handed over 5 Ambulances to FM Muttaqi. This is part of the larger gift of 20 ambulances, and other medical equipment reflecting our long-standing support for the Afghan people."

Earlier today, during the bilateral meeting between Jaishankar and Muttaqi, the EAM had underscored how, as a contiguous neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in Afghanistan's development and progress.

In his remarks, Jaishankar said, " India has long extended support for the health security of Afghanistan, including during the Covid pandemic. 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 good will and I would like to handover 5 of them to you personally as a symbolic step. India will also provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals and deliver vaccines for immunisation and cancer medicines. We have also supplied drug rehabilitation materials through UNODC and are open to doing more."

In a significant diplomatic move, India on Friday announced the upgrading of its Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of the Embassy of India.

The announcement was made by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during bilateral talks with visiting Afghanistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi and his delegation.

"India is fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan... To enhance that, I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India's Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India," Jaishankar said during his opening remarks.

Jaishankar welcomed Muttaqi and his delegation at the Hyderabad House in the national capital and affirmed the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan.

He unveiled a series of development and humanitarian initiatives, including a commitment to six new development projects to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on Thursday on a week-long visit to India.

Muttaqi's visit from October 9-16, marks the first high-level delegation from Kabul to New Delhi since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the humanitarian aid, I'm concerned about upgrading the mission to embassy status. Should we be normalizing relations with the Taliban government? What about women's rights and democracy in Afghanistan?
A
Arjun K
Smart diplomatic move by Jaishankar ji! India needs to maintain its influence in the region. The ambulances and medical equipment will build goodwill among common Afghans. Health diplomacy is the way forward! 🙏
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in humanitarian aid, I can say these ambulances will save lives. The MRI and CT scan machines are particularly important for proper diagnosis. Good to see India continuing its development partnership despite the political situation.
K
Karthik V
India has always been a friend to Afghanistan. Remember all the infrastructure projects we built there - dams, roads, parliament building. This medical aid continues that tradition. Hope the ambulances reach the people who need them most.
M
Michael C
Interesting development. The embassy upgrade is significant geopolitically. India is balancing humanitarian concerns with strategic interests. The drug rehabilitation support is especially important given Afghanistan's challenges.

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