India and Afghanistan held discussions on strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest during a meeting between Indian Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, and Afghan envoy Asadullah Karimi in Beijing on Wednesday. The Indian Embassy in Beijing shared details of the meeting on social media platform X, stating that the two ambassadors exchanged views on the historical and civilizational ties between the peoples of the two countries and welcomed continued efforts to deepen cooperation.
Key Points from the Meeting
Ambassador Doraiswami and Ambassador Karimi discussed the longstanding relationship between India and Afghanistan, emphasizing the shared cultural and historical bonds. They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors. The Indian Embassy's post on X highlighted the positive tone of the meeting and the mutual desire to strengthen ties.
Humanitarian Assistance
In May, India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the people of Afghanistan in the health sector by dispatching 20 tonnes of critical dry materials for vaccines to augment the country's child immunization program. India has consistently provided humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, including medical supplies and vaccines. Earlier, on April 5, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that India had delivered humanitarian assistance to support flood and earthquake-hit Afghanistan. The assistance included kitchen sets, hygiene kits, plastic sheets, tarpaulins, and sleeping bags.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "India stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and remains committed to extending humanitarian assistance and support during this challenging time."
India's Stance at the UN
Also in May, India condemned Pakistan at the United Nations for the barbaric strikes carried out by Islamabad at the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul, which resulted in the deaths of 269 civilians. Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted Pakistan's long record of involvement in genocidal acts against civilians, noting that 750 civilian deaths and injuries were documented in Afghanistan as a result of cross-border armed violence perpetrated by Pakistan.
This meeting and India's ongoing humanitarian efforts underscore the strong ties between India and Afghanistan and India's commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people.
