Islamic Republic of Afghanistan : News & Discussions

First shipment of Indian wheat reaches Afghanistan​

The first shipment of 2,500 metric tonnes of wheat sent by India for Afghan people through the land border route as part of a humanitarian aid reached Jalalabad town of Afghanistan on Saturday.

The consignment, which was part of the 50,000 metric tonnes that the Indian government has committed to send to the war-torn country, was dispatched on February 22.

Afghanistan’s Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay said the convoy of 50 trucks carrying the grain arrived in the Afghan city and that the aid would now be distributed among people by the World Food Programme (WFP).

Aid, but not recognition​

India has not recognised the new regime (Taliban) in Afghanistan and has been pitching for the formation of a “truly inclusive government” in Kabul, besides insisting that the Afghan soil must not be used for any terror activities against any country.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, along with Mamundzay and WFP country director Bishaw Parajuli had on February 22 flagged off the convoy of trucks at a ceremony at Amritsar’s Attari border crossing.

On February 12, India had inked a memorandum of understanding with the WFP for the distribution of wheat in Afghanistan. India had sent a proposal to Pakistan on October 7 last year, seeking the transit facility to send 50,000 tonne wheat to the people of Afghanistan via the country and it received a positive response from Islamabad on November 24.

The Ministry of External Affairs had said that India decided to “gift” the wheat to the people of Afghanistan in response to appeals made by the United Nations for humanitarian assistance to the war-torn country.

India has already supplied 5 lakh doses of Covaxin vaccines and 13 tonnes of essential lifesaving medicines to Afghanistan.

India has been pitching for providing unimpeded humanitarian aid to the country to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis there.
 

India sends second shipment of wheat to Afghanistan via Pakistan​

India on Thursday sent the second shipment of 2,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan via Pakistani land route as part of its humanitarian aid to Afghan people who have been reeling under food shortage.

India despatched the first consignment of 2,500 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan through Pakistani on February 22 and it reached the Afghan city of Jalalabad on February 26. Fifty trucks carried the consignment.

"Second convoy of India's humanitarian assistance carrying 2000 MTs of wheat left Attari, Amritsar today for Jalalabad, Afghanistan," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

"This is part of India's commitment of 50,000 MTs of wheat for the Afghan people and will be distributed by @WFP_Afghanistan," he added.

India had sent a proposal to Pakistan on October 7 seeking the transit facility to send 50,000 tonnes of wheat to the people of Afghanistan via Pakistan and it received a positive response from Islamabad on November 24.

Following the Pakistani response, both sides were in touch to finalise the modalities for the transportation of the shipments.

Each of the bags was stamped with the text: "Gift from the people of India to the people of Afghanistan" in English, Pashto and Dari.

On February 12, the Indian government had signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Food Programme for the distribution of wheat within Afghanistan.

India has already supplied 500,000 doses of Covaxin vaccines and 13 tonnes of essential lifesaving medicines to Afghanistan.

India has been pitching for providing unimpeded humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the country.

India has not recognised the new regime in Afghanistan and has been pitching for the formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul besides insisting that Afghan soil must not be used for any terrorist activities against any country.
 

Turkey Calls for Recognition of the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate​

by Aaron Y. Zelin
Mar 17, 2022

Ankara has taken a leading role in rehabilitating the group’s image, but many other countries have reached out as well, making eventual recognition a fait accompli. (…)
 

Looks like Fauji Foundation is paying back the Taliban in it's own coin. Game on !

images (4).jpeg
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Innominate
Gokhale: Taking forward the spirit of the Delhi Declaration, the NSAs discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the region. They highlighted the need to find constructive ways to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan and combating risks from terrorism emanating from the region.
NSA Ajit Doval also used the opportunity to meet his counterparts from Iran, Tajikistan, Russia and other partners in the Dialogue on the sidelines of the meeting.

On Afghanistan NSA Doval made the following points:
India has historical and civilisational relations with Afghanistan; India has always stood by the people of Afghanistan. This will continue to guide India’s approach.
India has focused on infrastructure, connectivity and humanitarian assistance over the decades. After August 2021, India has already provided 17000 MT of Wheat out of a total commitment of 50000 MT, 500000 doses of Covaxin, and 13 tons of essential life saving medicines: Doval
The NSA highlighted need for representation of all sections of Afghan society including women and minorities so that the collective energies of the largest possible proportion of the Afghan population feel motivated to contribute to nation building
There is a need for all present at the Dialogue to enhance capability of Afghanistan to counter terrorism and terrorist groups which pose a threat regional peace and security. Foremost priority should be right to life and a dignified living as well as protection of human rights
Assistance should be accessible to all, respect for all obligations under international humanitarian law should be ensured. Women and youth are critical for the future of any society. Provision of education to girls and employment to women and youth will ensure productivity (Doval).
India was and is an important stakeholder in Afghanistan. Special relationship with people of Afghanistan over centuries will guide India’s approach. Nothing can change this.
With collective efforts of Regional Dialogue members, we can help proud people of Afghanistan: Doval