Kabul Turns to New Delhi: India Becomes Afghanistan’s Main Pharmaceutical Partner

DID Press: Amid political and trade tensions with Pakistan, the Taliban government announced that India has become one of Afghanistan’s main options for securing medicines.

Following the visit of the Taliban’s Minister of Public Health to New Delhi, the Indian government said that it is ready to supply Afghanistan’s pharmaceutical needs on a long-term basis.

India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Monday, December 23, 2024, affirming New Delhi’s commitment to continuing humanitarian assistance and expanding health cooperation with Afghanistan.

According to the statement, the two sides agreed to establish a joint working group between the health ministries of India and Afghanistan. The group aims to coordinate medical projects, train health personnel, and improve Afghan citizens’ access to medicines.

Indian officials also mentioned exploring the establishment of cancer treatment centers in Afghanistan and sending teams of Indian doctors to support capacity-building programs for Afghan medical professionals.

During his multi-day visit to India, Noorjilal Jalali, the Taliban Minister of Public Health, met with senior Indian officials and visited several hospitals and pharmaceutical institutions.

He added that India can play a key role in addressing Afghanistan’s drug shortages, which have become more pronounced following reduced imports from Pakistan.

These developments come amid ongoing tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan in recent months, with Kabul seeking alternative channels to secure essential goods, particularly in the health sector.

The increasing frequency of Taliban officials’ visits to India signals efforts by both sides to expand cooperation in humanitarian aid and public services.