New Delhi |Oct 10, 2025 | BeyondborBersbyJwala
India today solidified its enduring partnership with Afghanistan, with External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar holding extensive and fruitful discussions with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi. The visit, described by EAM Jaishankar as an "important step in advancing our ties," underscored India's renewed commitment to Afghanistan's development, security, and economic recovery, culminating in the significant announcement of upgrading India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of a full Embassy.
EAM Jaishankar warmly welcomed Minister Muttaqi, emphasizing the "enduring friendship" and "deep-rooted cultural and historical ties" between the two nations. This in-person meeting provided a crucial platform to exchange perspectives, identify common interests, and forge closer cooperation after previous telephonic conversations following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the Kunar and Nangarhar earthquake.
Unified Against Terrorism, India’s Security Concerns Addressed
A cornerstone of the joint statement and EAM's remarks was the unequivocal condemnation of terrorism. EAM Jaishankar expressed deep appreciation for Afghanistan’s strong condemnation of the April 22nd terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In a significant reaffirmation, Foreign Minister Muttaqi reiterated the Afghan government's "commitment that the Afghan government will not allow any group or individual to use the territory of Afghanistan against India."
"We appreciate your sensitivity towards India’s security concerns. Your solidarity with us in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack was noteworthy," EAM Jaishankar stated, underscoring a shared threat that both nations face and the imperative to coordinate efforts to combat terrorism "in all its forms and manifestations." Both sides emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting the importance of promoting peace, stability, and trust in the region.
Comprehensive Development: Health, Infrastructure, and Capacity Building
Recognizing Afghanistan’s pressing need for economic recovery, India pledged to significantly deepen its engagement in development cooperation, particularly in healthcare, public infrastructure, and capacity-building. EAM Jaishankar proudly declared that India’s "longstanding partnership that has seen so many Indian projects in Afghanistan stands renewed."
Key development initiatives include:
- Healthcare Boost: Expanding on existing projects, India announced six new healthcare initiatives, including the establishment of a Thalassemia Centre, a Modern Diagnostic Centre, and heating system replacement at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH) in Kabul. Further commitments include a new 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, an Oncology Centre, a Trauma Centre in Kabul, and five Maternity Health Clinics in Paktika, Khost, and Paktia. India will also provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals, deliver vaccines for immunization and cancer medicines, and continue medical assistance, building on the successful fitting of 75 prosthetic limbs for Afghan nationals. As a special gesture, twenty ambulances were gifted to the Afghan people, with five symbolically handed over by the EAM.
- Earthquake Relief & Reconstruction: India, as a "first responder" to last month's devastating earthquake, promptly delivered relief materials and expressed readiness to contribute to the reconstruction of residences in affected areas.
- Capacity Building: India will continue offering scholarships to Afghan students under the e-ICCR scheme, with plans to expand other scholarship avenues to Indian universities.
- Humanitarian Assistance: EAM Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to ongoing humanitarian programs, including food grains, social support items, school stationery, disaster relief, and pesticides. Critically, India agreed to help construct residences and provide material aid for the "plight of forcibly repatriated Afghan refugees," acknowledging their dignity and livelihood as a matter of deep concern.
Economic Connectivity and Strategic Sectors
Boosting economic ties was a key agenda item. Both sides welcomed the commencement of the India-Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor, poised to streamline connectivity and enhance bilateral trade. The Afghan side extended an invitation for Indian companies to explore mining opportunities, signaling a desire for greater Indian investment.
Acknowledging India’s assistance with the India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam (Salma Dam), both nations agreed to cooperate on sustainable water management and hydroelectric projects to address Afghanistan’s energy needs and support agricultural development.
Enhancing People-to-People Ties
Beyond strategic and economic cooperation, the discussions focused on strengthening cultural bonds:
- Sports Diplomacy: Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in sports, particularly cricket, recognizing the impressive emergence of Afghan cricketing talent and India's support for its growth.
- Visa Facilitation: EAM Jaishankar highlighted the new visa module introduced by India in April 2025, leading to an increased issuance of medical, business, and student visas for Afghan people.
The elevation of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to a full Embassy status underscores India’s robust, long-term commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, and its people, ensuring continued close communication and engagement.
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