India Sends Emergency Relief to Afghanistan After Deadly Earthquake
India has dispatched urgent humanitarian aid, including food and medicines, to northern Afghanistan following a 6.3-magnitude earthquake that killed at least 20 people and injured hundreds. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar coordinated with Afghan officials, assuring further support. The relief effort underscores India's ongoing commitment to assisting Afghanistan despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
India swiftly responded to a devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake in northern Afghanistan by sending emergency relief materials, including food and medicines, to the affected regions. The quake struck provinces such as Samangan, Balkh, and Baghlan, resulting in at least 20 deaths and over 500 injuries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, expressing condolences and pledging continued assistance. India delivered an initial 15 tonnes of food supplies, with additional shipments of medicines expected soon. The aid is aimed at supporting communities hardest hit, especially in Samangan province. This gesture highlights India's readiness to provide humanitarian support to Afghanistan, even without formal diplomatic recognition of the Taliban regime. The earthquake caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, complicating rescue operations and increasing the need for urgent aid. International organizations and several countries have also pledged support as winter approaches, raising concerns about worsening conditions for survivors. India's actions reinforce its history of humanitarian engagement with Afghanistan, including previous aid deliveries during crises.
