Iran takes initiative to assist India in transporting aid to Afghanistan

New Delhi – The humanitarian crisis has attained dangerous proportions due to the severe cold in Afghanistan. There are shocking reports of Afghans willing to trade their sons and daughters for food in despair. The Indian government is prepared to supply wheat and essential medicines for the people of Afghanistan. However, Pakistan is unwilling to cooperate and not allow the aid to be transported through their country. Pakistan is grappled with the fear that the Indian aid to Afghanistan would elevate India’s image in Afghanistan. Iran has shown willingness to assist India to transport the help to Afghanistan.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian held detailed telephonic discussions on issues like the Corona crisis, progress on the development of the Chabahar port, the Iranian nuclear program, and the challenges in Afghanistan. Both the leaders concurred that an inclusive government is necessary for Afghanistan. At the same time, the Iranian Foreign Minister clarified that Iran would be keen to cooperate to transport the Indian aid of 50,000 Metric Tonnes of wheat, medical assistance, and Coronavirus vaccines to Afghanistan.

India has already sent two consignments of aid for the people of Afghanistan via Iran. In November, India supplied 1.6 tonnes of medical assistance to Afghanistan, supported by the World Health Organisation. India had already announced a supply of 50,000 Metric Tonnes of Wheat, medical aid, and Coronavirus vaccines to Afghanistan through the Pakistan route. However, Pakistan has created roadblocks by stating conditions for cooperation, which India has refused. The Indian foreign ministry informed that discussions are still being held with Pakistan on the matter. But no further information was given regarding this. Foreign Minister of the Taliban regime, Amir Khan Muttaki, visited Iran on Saturday. Subsequently, it seems that Iran has expressed willingness to cooperate with India to aid Afghanistan after the visit.