New Delhi [India], October 10 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar handed over five ambulances as a “gesture of goodwill” to Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Friday in the national capital. The five ambulances are part of a larger gift of 20 ambulances to Afghanistan.
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 on Friday, during the bilateral meeting between Jaishankar and Muttaqi, the minister highlighted India’s deep interest in Afghanistan’s development and progress as a contiguous neighbor and well-wisher of the Afghan people.
“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 goodwill, and I would like to hand over five of them to you personally as a symbolic step,” Jaishankar said.
He added that India will also provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals, deliver vaccines for immunization, and supply cancer medicines. Additionally, India has provided drug rehabilitation materials through the UNODC and is open to doing more.
In a significant diplomatic development, India announced the upgrading of its Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of the Embassy of India. The announcement was made by Jaishankar during bilateral talks with 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 the Embassy of India,” Jaishankar said during his opening remarks.
Jaishankar welcomed Muttaqi and his delegation at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, reaffirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan. He also unveiled a series of humanitarian and development initiatives, including a commitment to six new projects in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a week-long visit from October 9–16, marking the first high-level delegation from Kabul to India since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. (ANI)
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