India Sends Emergency Medical Assistance to Afghanistan After Deadly Kabul Airstrike
Within a few days after a devastating airstrike attributed to Pakistan struck a rehabilitation facility in Kabul, leaving more than 400 people dead and over 250 others wounded, India on Friday dispatched a substantial humanitarian medical shipment to Afghanistan to support the treatment of victims and assist recovery efforts.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the relief package consisted of approximately 2.5 tonnes of urgent medical supplies, including life-saving medicines, essential medical consumables, emergency kits, and specialised equipment required for critical care.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated via X that the assistance was aimed at strengthening medical response capabilities in the Afghan capital following the tragic attack on March 16.
He emphasised that India stands firmly with the people of Afghanistan and remains committed to extending humanitarian aid during this challenging period.
Soon after the airstrike occurred, India issued a strong condemnation on March 17, describing the incident as a brutal and deeply disturbing act of violence.
The government characterised the strike as an unjustified military assault by Pakistan and termed it a serious violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
The MEA noted that attempts to portray the large-scale loss of civilian lives as a tactical military operation were unacceptable.
Pakistan, however, denied the accusations, asserting that its forces had conducted carefully calibrated strikes aimed specifically at military targets and alleged terrorist infrastructure during the late hours of Monday.
Responding sharply to Islamabad’s explanation, the MEA reiterated that the attack represented an unacceptable act of aggression that undermines Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and threatens peace across the wider region.
The spokesperson highlighted what India described as a recurring pattern of irresponsible conduct by Pakistan, accusing it of deflecting internal pressures by engaging in destabilising cross-border actions.
India also criticised the timing of the strike, noting that the incident took place during the sacred month of Ramzan, traditionally regarded as a period of compassion, restraint, and spiritual reflection for Muslim communities worldwide.
Officials said that no ethical, legal, or religious justification could support an attack targeting a medical institution and vulnerable patients receiving treatment.
This marked the third official response issued by India in recent weeks regarding Pakistani military actions in Afghanistan, and it was considered the strongest diplomatic statement so far.
The affected facility, Omid Hospital in Kabul, was established in 2016 and has played a significant role in supporting individuals struggling with addiction and recovery.
In addition to medical treatment, the institution has also provided vocational skill development programmes such as tailoring and carpentry, helping patients rebuild their lives and improve employment opportunities.
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