India has dispatched a 2.5-tonne consignment of emergency medical supplies to Kabul to assist those injured in the devastating March 16 attack, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Friday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the update on X, stating that the aid aims to support immediate medical treatment and recovery efforts in the Afghan capital.
To support the medical treatment and swift recovery of those injured in the heinous attack on 16 March, India delivers a 2.5-ton consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits and equipment to Kabul.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 20, 2026
India stands in solidarity with the Afghan people and will… pic.twitter.com/9dDu589tiY
Emergency Supplies To Support Treatment Efforts
The humanitarian consignment includes essential medicines, medical disposables, equipment, and healthcare kits required for treating the injured. The move comes at a time when hospitals in Kabul are under severe pressure following the large-scale casualties reported after the attack.
“India stands in solidarity with the Afghan people and will continue to extend all possible humanitarian support in this difficult hour,” Jaiswal said in his statement.
Attack Triggers Humanitarian Crisis
The assistance follows reports of a deadly airstrike in Kabul on March 16, which, according to Afghan authorities, resulted in massive casualties. A Taliban spokesperson cited by reports claimed that at least 400 people were killed and around 250 injured in the strike.
Afghanistan’s deputy government spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said the attack targeted a drug rehabilitation hospital late in the evening, causing extensive damage to the 2,000-bed facility.
However, Pakistan has firmly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and asserting that no hospital was targeted in Kabul.
Temporary Ceasefire During Eid al-Fitr
Amid rising tensions, a temporary pause in hostilities has reportedly been agreed upon by both Pakistan and Afghanistan during Eid al-Fitr.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the ceasefire was facilitated at the request of regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye. The truce is expected to remain in effect from midnight Thursday until midnight Tuesday.
India’s Continued Humanitarian Outreach
India’s latest aid shipment underscores its ongoing commitment to humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan, especially during crises. Over the years, New Delhi has provided food aid, vaccines, and essential supplies to support the Afghan population.
With the situation still fragile and medical needs urgent, India’s timely intervention is expected to provide critical relief to those affected by the recent violence.