India has issued 500 visas to Afghanistan nationals in four months, including medical cases, reflecting limited humanitarian engagement and renewed health cooperation.
India has issued around 500 visas to Afghan citizens over the past four months, including more than 200 medical visas, The Hindu reported, citing a senior Indian official.
The official said changes were introduced to India’s Afghanistan visa system in April, easing limited access after a long suspension that followed the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
India was a major destination for Afghan patients for nearly two decades, but visa issuance was halted and previously granted visas were revoked after the political transition in Kabul.
Indian officials said new proposals to expand health assistance are under review, and recent talks between the Taliban and Indian health ministers reaffirmed cooperation on medical supplies, infrastructure and training. India has sent 327 tonnes of medicines and vaccines to Afghanistan over the past four years, with cancer drugs and a CT scanner set for delivery this month.
However, many Afghan students say they remain stranded after being forced to abandon their studies in India, while numerous patients complain they are still unable to travel for urgent treatment, calling for faster and broader visa access to address their humanitarian needs.
Afghan citizens, particularly students, say visa restrictions have disrupted their lives, leaving many unable to return to India to complete unfinished degrees after years of study. Several students complain that delays and limited approvals have jeopardised their academic futures and wasted scholarships and personal savings.
Patients and their families have voiced similar concerns, saying many Afghans with critical illnesses remain unable to access specialised treatment in India despite urgent medical needs. They are urging Indian authorities to further ease medical visas, citing prolonged suffering, financial hardship and the lack of advanced healthcare options inside Afghanistan.
India must open his border for Afghan because they have good relationship. 500 visa in four months means nothing.