Strengthening Ties of Compassion: India Donates Ambulances to Afghanistan

India Gifts Five Ambulances to Afghanistan as Part of Humanitarian Support Initiative.

In a gesture symbolizing India’s continued humanitarian commitment to the people of Afghanistan, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar handed over five ambulances to Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

The ambulances are part of a larger consignment of 20 ambulances and essential medical equipment being gifted by the Government of India to strengthen Afghanistan’s healthcare infrastructure. The initiative underscores India’s long-standing developmental partnership and people-centric approach toward Afghanistan, even amid the country’s ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. Jaishankar reiterated that India’s support for the Afghan people remains steadfast. “India has always stood by the people of Afghanistan in their hour of need. Our cooperation is guided by the principles of friendship, compassion, and solidarity,” he said.

The ambulances are expected to significantly improve emergency medical response capabilities in several provinces across Afghanistan, providing critical support to hospitals and health centers that are struggling due to limited resources and infrastructure gaps.

Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi expressed gratitude to the Indian government, noting that the gesture reflects India’s enduring goodwill toward Afghanistan. He acknowledged India’s role in supplying humanitarian aid, including food grains, medicines, and COVID-19 vaccines over the past few years.

Since 2001, India has been one of Afghanistan’s major development partners, contributing over USD 3 billion in assistance toward projects in education, health, infrastructure, and capacity building. The latest donation reaffirms India’s intention to maintain humanitarian engagement with Afghanistan, focusing on healthcare, food security, and livelihood support.

The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that India will continue to deliver humanitarian assistance directly to the Afghan people, reinforcing its commitment to regional peace, stability, and development.