VOI World/ Desk
India has responded swiftly after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 500 across multiple provinces including Balkh, Samangan and Baghlan.
In a call with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed condolences and confirmed that relief material including food and medicines was being dispatched to the affected communities.
India’s outreach comes amid its broader engagement with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and reflects New Delhi’s readiness to assist humanitarian needs despite the complex diplomatic landscape. The aid is part of India’s “first-responder” approach to crises in the region.
For India, this action ties into its regional priorities under the leadership of Narendra Modi (referred to hereafter as Indian PM Modi), which emphasise connectivity, stability and humanitarian cooperation in Afghanistan.
