New Delhi: In a significant development, the Indian delegation met with Afghanistan’s acting Defense Minister, Mullah Mohammad Yaqub, offering the use of the Chabahar Port in Iran for Afghan trade activities. The Chabahar Port was built with Indian assistance. Discussions also took place between Indian and Afghan officials regarding providing humanitarian aid to Kabul. The delegation was led by J.P. Singh, Joint Secretary of the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran Division in the Ministry of External Affairs.
During a weekly media briefing, Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the delegation also met with former President Hamid Karzai, senior ministers, and heads of UN agencies. In response to a question, Jaiswal mentioned, “The delegation discussed not only India’s humanitarian aid but also how Afghanistan’s business community could utilize the Chabahar Port for trade, imports, exports, and other activities.”
India has not recognized the Taliban regime, which has been in power in Afghanistan since 2021. However, India has consistently provided humanitarian aid to the Afghan people, including wheat, medicines, and medical supplies.
Jaiswal added, “I would also like to remind that providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan is a crucial part of our assistance program, and we have sent multiple aid consignments over the past few months and years. Our long-term ties with the people of Afghanistan will continue to guide our approach towards the country.”
Earlier this year, India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran for the development and operation of the Chabahar Port, which was constructed with Indian assistance.