External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Monday spoke with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, expressing condolences over the loss of lives in the earthquake that struck the war-ravaged country on Sunday night.
Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured, Jaishankar assured full support from India and conveyed that New Delhi has begun sending food and relief material to Kabul.
He confirmed that 1,000 family tents were delivered in Kabul on Monday following the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan. “Spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi today. Expressed our condolences at the loss of lives in the earthquake. Conveyed that India has delivered 1,000 family tents today in Kabul. Fifteen tonnes of food material is also being immediately moved by the Indian Mission from Kabul to Kunar. Further relief material will be sent from India starting tomorrow. Wish early recovery of those injured. India stands by Afghanistan at this difficult time,” Jaishankar posted on X.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed the telephonic exchange, stating that Muttaqi thanked Jaishankar for India’s assistance and assured timely delivery of aid to the affected people. In a statement on X, the MFA said, “The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Hon. Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi, had a telephone conversation with his Indian counterpart, Dr. Jaishankar. The Indian Foreign Minister expressed condolences over the loss of lives due to the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. The aid, which includes a thousand tents and 15 tonnes of food supplies, was announced to be handed over to the Islamic Emirate. He also assured further assistance in medicine and food. The Afghan Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for India’s solidarity and support in this tragedy.”
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the devastating earthquake, which has claimed 812 lives so far, and conveyed India’s readiness to provide humanitarian aid.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult hour, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those affected,” PM Modi posted on X.
Jaishankar also reiterated India’s concern over the tragedy in Kunar Province, writing, “The devastating earthquake in Kunar Province of Afghanistan is a matter of deep concern. Express our support and solidarity to the Afghan people as they respond to it. India will extend assistance in this hour of need. Our condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the early recovery of the injured.”
Meanwhile, Afghan rescue teams are navigating remote areas with limited communication to assess the scale of damage. Officials cautioned that the toll remains preliminary as rescue and relief operations continue.
According to the US Geological Survey, the 6.0-magnitude quake struck at 11:47 pm local time on Sunday at a depth of eight km in eastern Afghanistan. Experts note that Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to earthquakes as it lies at the junction of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The mountainous terrain of the east also increases the risk of landslides, making rescue efforts more difficult.
-IANS