New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic gesture, India has handed over five of the 20 ambulances it is gifting to Afghanistan as a symbol of goodwill. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar presented these ambulances to Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during a meeting in New Delhi on October 10, 2025.
This move underscores India’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s health infrastructure and reflects a deepening of bilateral ties. Jaishankar emphasized India’s longstanding support for Afghanistan’s health security, including assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also announced India’s readiness to commit to six new development projects, details of which will be shared after the conclusion of their talks.
In addition to the ambulances, India plans to provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals, deliver vaccines for immunization, and supply cancer medicines. The support extends to drug rehabilitation materials through the UNODC, with India expressing openness to further assistance.