India Sends 21 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan After Deadly 6.0-Magnitude Quake
India airlifted 21 tonnes of relief supplies—tents, blankets, hygiene kits, generators, medical consumables, and more—to Kabul, aiding victims of a powerful 6.0 or 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night, killing over 1,400 people and injuring thousands The Times of IndiaThe Economic Timeswww.ndtv.com@mathrubhumiPolitico.
India Vows Continued Support Amidst Rugged Terrain and Rising Death Toll
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar affirmed on X that India will monitor the situation closely and stay committed to sending further relief over the coming days, as international efforts intensify to counter the humanitarian crisis across remote and mountainous Afghan provinces www.ndtv.com@mathrubhumi.
Section 1: The Quake and Crisis in Eastern Afghanistan
A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, with tremors felt across the region. The disaster has reportedly claimed over 1,400 lives and left thousands injured—particularly in remote, mountainous provinces like Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, and Nuristan. Rescue operations have been severely hindered by blocked roads, aftershocks, and limited infrastructure PoliticoThe Times of IndiaWikipedia.
Section 2: India’s Compassionate Response
In a swift humanitarian gesture on Tuesday, India sent 21 tonnes of aid to Kabul via airlift. The consignment included essential items such as:
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Tents, blankets, and sleeping bags
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Hygiene kits, hand sanitizers, and portable water purifiers
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Water storage tanks, ORS, and medical consumables
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Generators, kitchen utensils, essential medicines, and wheelchairs The Economic Timeswww.ndtv.com@mathrubhumiThe Times of IndiaRepublic World
The relief mission was confirmed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who emphasized that India will continue to monitor the situation and dispatch further aid as needed www.ndtv.com@mathrubhumi.
Section 3: Global and Regional Context
India’s relief contribution comes amid a broader international response. Although the earthquake has left Afghan authorities overwhelmed, countries such as the UK, EU, UAE, and China have pledged aid. UNICEF and other agencies are coordinating medical and shelter support in regions where local healthcare infrastructure has collapsed PoliticoReutersWikipedia.
Access challenges remain acute: aftershocks and landslides continue to raise the urgency of timely aid delivery. India’s prompt and practical support stands out for its timely mobilization and logistical commitment.
Section 4: Strategic and Humanitarian Significance
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Humanitarian Solidarity: India’s delivery of 21 tonnes symbolizes solidarity with the Afghan people in crisis, transcending political and geographical boundaries.
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Operational Efficiency: The swift airlift underlines India’s growing capacity for rapid disaster response in neighboring regions.
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Regional Diplomacy: Such aid efforts reinforce humanitarian ties and stability in South Asia amidst prevailing geopolitical sensitivities.
With relief efforts ongoing, India and international partners remain vigilant in supporting survivors through one of Afghanistan’s most pressing humanitarian emergencies in recent memory.
