Afghan Minister Arrives in New Delhi
Afghan Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for an official visit to India, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the minister on his arrival via a post on X, stating, "A very warm welcome to the Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, as he arrives in New Delhi. Looking forward to engaging discussions on issues of mutual interest."
Delegation to Discuss Bilateral Cooperation
According to the Afghan Embassy in India, Omari is accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan. During the visit, he is scheduled to meet with Indian counterparts and members of the Indian business community to discuss cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, investment, and other areas of mutual interest.
Recent Humanitarian Assistance
This visit follows India's recent humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. On June 17, India delivered five tonnes of essential medicines to Kabul. MEA spokesperson Jaiswal confirmed the delivery on X, stating, "India delivers another 5 tonnes of essential medicines to Kabul, reaffirming its enduring commitment to humanitarian assistance and the well-being of the Afghan people."
Earlier, on June 11, the MEA reiterated India's commitment to strengthening Afghanistan's healthcare system. India gifted medical equipment for diagnosis, treatment, and specialized care, including neonatal and pediatric care devices, cardiograph machines, ventilators, patient monitors, maxillofacial electrocautery, plastic surgery sets, and specialized medical kits, to Afghan health authorities.
India's Stance on Afghanistan
Addressing a weekly media briefing, Jaiswal emphasized India's unchanged position on Afghanistan, centered on supporting the Afghan people. He referenced remarks made by India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, at a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, stating, "India and Afghanistan are contiguous neighbors and civilizational states. Our ties have spanned centuries."
Jaiswal added that India continues to support Afghanistan through initiatives related to food security, healthcare, pharmaceutical assistance, scholarships, and capacity-building opportunities.
