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| External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar handing over ambulances to Taliban Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. |
In a quiet but significant diplomatic move, India has announced a fresh slate of healthcare projects for Afghanistan, aimed at improving access to emergency and maternal care in one of the world’s most fragile health systems.
The initiative, unveiled during Taliban Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, includes a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, an Oncology and Trauma Centre, and five maternity clinics across Paktika, Khost, and Paktia provinces. India will also provide 20 fully equipped ambulances, reflecting a blend of humanitarian outreach and strategic engagement.
Funded under India’s ₹2,000-crore development aid allocation for FY2025-26, the projects build on New Delhi’s earlier efforts such as the 400-bed Attal Hospital in Kabul. Analysts say the initiative demonstrates India’s intent to maintain people-centric engagement with Afghanistan without formally recognising the Taliban government.
Beyond humanitarian relief, the plan could boost India’s pharmaceutical and medical equipment exports, already accounting for 60% of Afghanistan’s generic drug supply. The move also strengthens India’s soft power and influence in Central Asia, countering regional rivals while reinforcing its reputation for scalable, low-cost healthcare solutions.
However, experts warn that security and governance challenges could delay implementation. Still, the announcement signals India’s determination to combine compassion with strategic foresight, positioning itself as a stabilizing force in South Asia.
As analysed by The Indian Growthline, healthcare diplomacy may soon become one of India’s most effective tools of regional influence.
#India #Afghanistan #HealthcareDiplomacy #SoftPower #TheIndianGrowthline
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