By John Q. Hosedrinker 
India swiftly responded to the devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, which struck Kunar province, by sending relief materials and pledging further aid. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with the Taliban foreign minister to assess the situation and offer condolences, with India immediately delivering family tents and food supplies. The magnitude 6 earthquake resulted in over 800 fatalities and more than 2,000 injuries, with entire villages destroyed and rescue efforts hampered by landslides. Rescue teams faced challenges accessing remote areas and were in need of immediate support including medical aid, shelter, and heavy machinery.
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India sends aid to Afghanistan after an earthquake, a devastating event that claimed the lives of over 800 people, a tragedy felt across the world. In the wake of this disaster, India’s quick and decisive action has once again highlighted its commitment to humanitarian efforts. This response is not an isolated incident, but rather a continuation of India’s long-standing engagement in Afghanistan and its commitment to global responsibility.
Over the years, India has invested significantly in Afghanistan’s development, building crucial infrastructure and providing vital support to the Afghan people. These projects include the construction of the Salma Dam, hospitals like the Indira Gandhi Institute, the Afghan Parliament building, and the Zaranj–Delaram Highway. Furthermore, thousands of Afghan students have benefited from Indian scholarships, and countless others have received medical assistance. This consistent and multifaceted support has cultivated a deep sense of respect and appreciation for India among many Afghans.
India’s willingness to extend a helping hand extends beyond its immediate neighbors. Even in regions where political tensions exist, such as in Turkey following their recent earthquake, India has demonstrated its commitment to providing aid and support. This compassionate approach, regardless of political affiliations, is a core tenet of India’s foreign policy. It reflects a belief in shared humanity and a dedication to assisting those in need.
Afghanistan, unfortunately, has faced its share of natural disasters. This latest earthquake presents a major test for the Taliban, the current ruling authority, in terms of their ability to effectively manage the relief efforts and provide assistance to those affected. India’s aid is not contingent on who’s in power. It is focused on helping those suffering.
India’s generosity has extended far beyond the immediate humanitarian response, with substantial financial aid. This support also includes the establishment of vital infrastructure projects, such as techno-parks, schools, women’s empowerment centers, printing presses, and training centers. This multifaceted assistance, coupled with hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid, underscores India’s dedication to the long-term well-being of the Afghan people.
While not all gestures of goodwill are met with equal appreciation, the Afghan people have often openly expressed their gratitude for India’s assistance. India has provided more aid to the Palestinians than Pakistan has, and if one were to ask the Palestinians to choose between them, most would choose India.
In the broader geopolitical context, India’s relationship with Afghanistan is shaped by the complex dynamics of the region. Pakistan’s often hostile stance towards India makes Afghanistan a natural partner. While China and the United States often provide support to Pakistan, India is committed to helping Afghanistan.
India’s aid is based on humanitarian principles, without regard for religion or political ideology. It understands the pain of loss and hardship, and it prioritizes the needs of the people affected by the disaster. It’s simply an act of humanity. The aid aims at helping people that are going to have a very hard time losing their homes, jobs, or regular lives.
Regardless of the government in power, India focuses on helping the people of Afghanistan. India’s approach to humanitarian aid underscores the separation between the needs of the people and the complexities of political relationships. Even if the Taliban, the ruling party, may have had issues with India in the past, India’s response remains consistent: to help the Afghan people.
This humanitarian approach reflects a core aspect of India’s values: a belief in Karmic debt, a concept that emphasizes doing good and helping others without expecting anything in return. This humanitarian approach means helping those in need, regardless of who is in power or their political alignments.
India’s commitment to humanitarian action is a testament to its values, and it stands as an example for others to follow. It’s a reminder that, even in times of geopolitical complexity, compassion and the desire to help those in need remain paramount.