India Gifts 20 Ambulances, Medical Equipment to Afghanistan Amid Strengthening Ties
New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic development, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a multi-day visit — marking the first ministerial-level trip from Kabul since the Taliban seized power in 2021. He will remain in India until October 16.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the visit, saying that India looks forward to “constructive discussions on bilateral relations and regional issues.” Muttaqi’s visit comes after the UN Security Council granted him a special travel exemption, allowing him to undertake the India trip.
India–Afghanistan Dialogue Revived
The visit signals a cautious yet notable re-engagement between New Delhi and the Taliban-led interim government. India has maintained limited contact with the regime, emphasizing humanitarian support and regional security. Earlier this year, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar had spoken to Muttaqi over phone, appreciating his condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and reaffirming India’s “enduring friendship with the Afghan people.”
During the recent Afghanistan earthquake, India had sent relief materials through Chabahar Port to Kunar province, underscoring its ongoing humanitarian assistance.
Pleased to meet FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan today in New Delhi.
This visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring India-Afghanistan friendship.
Discussed India’s support for Afghanistan’s development, our bilateral trade,… pic.twitter.com/OLBOiv3gZZ
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 10, 2025
Strengthening Ties and Combating Terrorism
In their in-person meeting in New Delhi, Dr Jaishankar stressed that India and Afghanistan share a “common commitment towards growth, stability, and prosperity,” while reiterating that terrorism in all forms must be firmly resisted.
He reaffirmed India’s support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, announcing that New Delhi will upgrade its Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of a full-fledged Embassy — a move seen as a symbolic yet important gesture of engagement.
India Announces New Development Aid
Highlighting India’s developmental commitment, Jaishankar announced six new projects for Afghanistan and the donation of 20 ambulances as part of a goodwill package. He also said India will provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals and supply vaccines for child immunisation, reaffirming New Delhi’s role in Afghanistan’s public health and reconstruction.
Afghanistan Seeks ‘Mutual Respect’ and Stability
In his remarks, Foreign Minister Muttaqi assured that Afghanistan would not allow its soil to be used by any group or force against another nation. He said, “Afghanistan has never made statements against India and has always valued its good relations.”
Muttaqi added that his government seeks ties “based on mutual respect, trade, and people-to-people connection,” expressing optimism about strengthening cooperation in development and security.
The visit marks a cautious thaw in India–Afghanistan relations, potentially opening the door for broader diplomatic engagement amid shifting geopolitical equations in the region.
