A new dynamic is unfolding in South Asia concerning Afghanistan. While India strengthens ties with Kabul, Pakistan's bombing of its neighbor has pushed relations to an unprecedented low.
On Friday, India dispatched 73 tons of life-saving medicines, vaccines, and humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. This aid arrived three days post a tragic event where a bombing by the Pakistani air force within Afghan borders resulted in the deaths of 10 civilians, including 9 children and a woman.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the aid is meant to address Afghanistan's immediate health needs. He wrote on X, 'We are reinforcing Afghanistan's health endeavors.'
This marks the third significant medical shipment from India to Afghanistan this year, following aid sent in April and September.
Deepening Indo-Afghan Trade Relations
India's humanitarian aid coincides with a major $100 million agreement between Indian Zydus Lifesciences and Afghanistan's Rofi’s International Group. Signed at the Afghan consulate in Dubai, the deal facilitates the export of Indian medicines and technology transfer, paving the way for pharmaceutical production in Kabul.
Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, who recently visited India, applauded the MoU and assured a 'complete security guarantee' for industries operating in Afghanistan.
Escalating Tensions from Pakistani Bombing
In contrast to India's positive initiative, conditions are deteriorating on the Afghan-Pakistani border. On the night of November 24-25, Pakistani jets bombarded the Afghan provinces of Khost, Kunar, and Paktika. According to Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, a bomb struck a house in Khost, killing 9 children (aged 2 to 12 years) and a woman. Additionally, four civilians were injured in Kunar and Paktika.
Mujahid described it as a barbaric attack on innocent children and women and warned that continued assaults would prompt an equal response from Afghanistan. However, the Pakistani army has yet to issue a statement regarding the bombings. Hours earlier, in the Bannu district of North Waziristan, the Pakistani army claimed to have killed 22 India-backed terrorists in an operation.
Border Tensions and Ceasefire Discussions
Despite a ceasefire brokered by Turkey and Qatar on October 19, distrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan is at its peak. The border trade has been repeatedly halted since the alleged Pakistani drone attack on October 9, which resulted in the deaths of several Afghan security personnel.
