New Delhi – India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, welcomed Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in New Delhi last Friday for a meeting that underscored growing ties between the two neighbours.
During the talks, Jaishankar said the visit “marks an important step” toward deeper friendship. He also handed over five ambulances to the Afghan minister as part of a larger package of 20 vehicles and medical gear that India is sending to support Afghan health services.
Jaishankar posted the exchange on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Pleased to meet FM Mawlawi Mustafa 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.” He added that India will upgrade its Technical Mission in Kabul to a full Embassy, a move that could boost diplomatic efficiency and trade.
The minister explained that India has long pledged assistance to Afghanistan’s growth, especially in health and infrastructure. He mentioned that India will provide MRI and CT scanners, vaccines, cancer drugs, and drug‑rehabilitation materials. “We are ready to commit to six new projects after our talks conclude,” Jaishankar said. He also highlighted India’s swift humanitarian response to the Kunar and Nangarhar earthquake last month, promising more aid to rebuild homes and improve livelihoods.
Addressing a growing concern over forced repatriation of Afghan refugees, Jaishankar vowed to help build homes for those displaced and to continue supplying material aid to rebuild their lives.
Trade and education were key points of the dialogue. Both ministers expressed enthusiasm over new direct flights between Kabul and New Delhi and announced that India will open more university seats for Afghan students. Jaishankar emphasized that a stronger economic partnership benefits regional stability and resilience.
Muttaqi reminded India that Afghanistan will never allow its territory to be used against other countries, a stance he said would help safeguard the region. He thanked India for its prompt humanitarian aid following the recent earthquake, calling India “the first responder.” He stressed that the relationship should be built on mutual respect, trade, and people‑to‑people links.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to set up a framework to steadily strengthen ties, possibly through joint committees or regular envoy exchanges. The visit reflects a broader shift toward more robust India‑Afghanistan collaboration on development, security, and humanitarian fronts.
Source: ianslive
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