India has stepped up its humanitarian outreach to Afghanistan by delivering a fleet of ambulances, reinforcing its focus on healthcare diplomacy in the region. The move highlights New Delhi’s intent to support Afghan civilians through medical aid at a time when the country is reshaping its external partnerships.
India Hands Over 20 Ambulances to Afghanistan
India has delivered a consignment of 20 ambulances to Afghanistan, fulfilling a commitment made during high-level talks in New Delhi. The assurance was given when External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in October.
At the time, Jaishankar described the assistance as a goodwill gesture.
“A gift of 20 ambulances is a gesture of goodwill, and I would like to hand over 5 of them to you personally as a symbolic step,” he said.
The ambulances are expected to strengthen emergency response services and improve patient transport across key Afghan regions.
Healthcare Cooperation Goes Beyond Ambulances
The ambulance delivery is part of a broader healthcare partnership between India and Afghanistan. India has committed to providing MRI and CT scan machines, along with vaccines and cancer medicines, to Afghan hospitals.
Jaishankar had earlier said, “India will also provide MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals and deliver vaccines for immunisation and cancer medicines. We have also supplied drug rehabilitation materials through UNODC and are open to doing more.”
These initiatives aim to address gaps in diagnostic care and treatment facilities across the country.
Hospitals, Clinics, and Medical Infrastructure Projects
India is also supporting long-term healthcare infrastructure in Afghanistan. Ongoing and planned projects include a Thalassemia Centre, a Modern Diagnostic Centre, and the replacement of the heating system at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul.
New facilities are also in the pipeline. These include a 30-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, an Oncology Centre, a Trauma Centre, and five Maternity Health Clinics in Paktika, Khost, and Paktia provinces.
Prosthetic Limbs and Medical Training Support
India’s humanitarian support has also included fitting around 75 prosthetic limbs for Afghan nationals. The programme has received appreciation from Afghan authorities for restoring mobility and dignity to amputees.
Earlier this month, Afghan Public Health Minister Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali visited India. Discussions focused on long-term medicine supplies, capacity-building, and health infrastructure. A symbolic handover of cancer medicines and vaccines took place, with larger consignments set to follow, including a 128-slice CT scanner.
Medical Visas and Joint Health Planning
India continues to issue medical visas to Afghan citizens seeking treatment in Indian hospitals. Speaking to WION, the Afghan health minister said,
“Afghans have been regularly travelling to India for medical treatment for a long time. Medical visas have been a vital humanitarian channel.”
Both sides also discussed forming a Joint Working Group on Health, establishing cancer treatment facilities in Afghanistan, and sending Indian medical teams to train Afghan doctors.
New Angle: Afghanistan Looks Beyond Pakistan for Medical Supplies
The latest delivery comes as Afghanistan seeks to reduce its dependence on Pakistan for healthcare imports. Following recent cross-border tensions and civilian casualties, Kabul announced a complete ban on pharmaceutical imports from Pakistan in November 2025, citing poor quality concerns.
A three-month transition period was granted to allow importers to clear dues and shift to alternative suppliers. India’s growing role in Afghanistan’s healthcare sector now positions it as a key partner in this transition.
Afghanistan’s healthcare system remains under strain after years of conflict. India’s expanding medical assistance offers practical relief while strengthening diplomatic ties. The focus on health, infrastructure, and capacity-building signals a long-term commitment to civilian welfare rather than political engagement alone.
