India has sent another consignment of medicines and medical supplies to a hospital in Kabul, as New Delhi continues to expand humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan amid persistent shortages and rising healthcare needs.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said on Thursday that another shipment of medicines and medical consumables had arrived at Kabul airport. He said India remained committed to working with the Afghan people and strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
Jaiswal did not disclose the value or volume of the latest shipment, and the Taliban authorities have not publicly commented on the assistance. Images released by the Indian official showed a large consignment of medicines and medical supplies at Kabul airport.
India has provided tens of tonnes of medicines and medical equipment to Afghanistan over the past year. In June, New Delhi sent about five tonnes of medicines, while earlier consignments included more than 75 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies delivered in December and February.
The latest assistance comes as Afghanistan’s healthcare system continues to face significant financial and supply pressures. International humanitarian agencies have warned that reduced donor funding is affecting essential health and nutrition services, while poverty and food insecurity are increasing demand for basic medical care.
Access to medicines has also been affected by disruptions in regional trade. Kabul has sought to diversify imports and strengthen trade links with countries other than Pakistan amid repeated tensions and border closures between Kabul and Islamabad.
Meanwhile, reports indicated that medicine prices in Kabul rose by as much as 40% after the Taliban ordered a halt to pharmaceutical trade with Pakistan. The disruption contributed to shortages, with some medicines reportedly entering Afghanistan through informal routes.
India has maintained humanitarian and development assistance to Afghanistan while stopping short of formally recognising the Taliban government. New Delhi has also gradually expanded its diplomatic engagement with Kabul, focusing on practical areas including healthcare, humanitarian assistance, trade and development.
