After a deadly earthquake, India promises to assist Afghanistan at the UN

National

India is very concerned about the recent events in Afghanistan, particularly the deteriorating humanitarian situation, according to Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador TS Tirumurti.

India conveyed its sincere sympathies to the victims and their families who were affected by the terrible earthquake in Afghanistan at the UN Security Council (UNSC) briefing on the country and pledged to offer aid and support in this time of need.

In his presentation to the Council, Ambassador TS Tirumurti, the Permanent Representative to the UN, said: “I want to start by sending my sincere sympathies to the victims, their families, and everyone else affected by the terrible earthquake in Afghanistan. India is prepared to help and support the Afghan people in their time of need and shares their anguish.”

Mr. Tirumurti pointed out that India has direct interests in ensuring that peace and stability return to Afghanistan as a neighbouring country and a long-standing ally.

Given our close ties to the Afghan people across history and civilization, he continued, “We are profoundly concerned about the current developments in Afghanistan, especially the deteriorating humanitarian situation.”

India has sent out multiple supplies of humanitarian aid, including 30,000 MTs of wheat, 13 tonnes of medications, 500,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and winter clothes, in response to the needs of the Afghan people.

These humanitarian shipments were given to the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations World Food Programme, as well as the Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul (UNWFP).

The Government of India signed a contract with the UNWFP for the distribution of 50,000 MT of wheat within Afghanistan in order to ensure a fair and just distribution of India’s wheat assistance. This wheat has already started its journey to Afghanistan.