UNITED NATIONS: India has reiterated its commitment to supporting the people of Afghanistan and maintaining engagement with the Taliban regime, emphasizing the deep-rooted people-to-people ties that have long shaped bilateral relations.
Speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Monday, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, highlighted India’s ongoing humanitarian and development initiatives in Afghanistan.
High-Level Engagement Between India and Taliban Leadership
Harish recalled that earlier this year, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai, marking the highest-level contact between New Delhi and the Taliban since their takeover of Kabul in 2021.
“The two sides discussed various issues related to bilateral relations and regional developments. The Afghan side appreciated and thanked Indian leadership for its continued support to the Afghan people. It was decided that India would consider engaging in future development projects in addition to ongoing humanitarian assistance,” Harish told the Council.
India’s Humanitarian and Development Initiatives in Afghanistan
India has been actively involved in regional and international efforts to maintain stability and peace in Afghanistan while providing critical humanitarian aid.
“Our broad approach remains focused on providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and creating an international consensus under the UN framework to address various challenges between Afghanistan’s de facto authorities and the global community,” Harish stated.
He further underscored India’s longstanding support for Afghanistan, citing:
- More than 500 development projects across all provinces since 2001.
- 27 tons of relief material, 50,000 tons of wheat, 40,000 liters of pesticides, and 300+ tons of medicines since August 2021.
- Collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to assist Afghan drug users, especially women, through supplies of hygiene kits, baby food, clothing, and medical aid.
Expanding Cooperation: Health, Refugee Rehabilitation, and Sports
Following the January meeting between Misri and Muttaqi, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed plans for additional material support in healthcare and refugee rehabilitation in response to Afghanistan’s request.
The two sides also discussed:
- Strengthening cricket cooperation, a sport deeply valued by Afghan youth.
- Enhancing trade via Chabahar Port to support humanitarian aid and commercial activities.
- Addressing India’s security concerns, with the Afghan side acknowledging its sensitivities.
UN Urges Taliban to Adhere to International Commitments
Speaking at the same UNSC meeting, UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, stressed that the Taliban must clarify their position on international reintegration and fulfill their global obligations.
“The de facto authorities have treated their international commitments selectively, rejecting some under the pretext of sovereignty or tradition. However, these obligations directly impact not only political progress but, most crucially, the well-being of Afghanistan’s entire population,” she warned.
She also highlighted ongoing security concerns, referencing a recent UN 1267 sanctions monitoring report, which raised questions about the Taliban’s ability—or willingness—to prevent terrorist groups from operating within Afghanistan.
India’s Continued Commitment to Afghanistan’s Stability
Harish reaffirmed India’s readiness to respond to the needs of Afghanistan’s people while continuing close engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan.
“We remain committed to supporting the international community’s efforts in Afghanistan and will continue our diplomatic and humanitarian engagement to ensure long-term stability in the region,” he concluded.
