India’s representative to the United Nations has reaffirmed his country’s continued support for the people of Afghanistan and called on the international community to continue supporting Afghan women and other citizens and engaging with the country.
Harish Parvataneni, India’s representative to the United Nations, expressed concern over the forced return of Afghan migrants, saying that returns should be voluntary, safe, and carried out with human dignity.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, he said the international community should support women and all Afghans and continue engagement with Afghanistan in a principled and sustained manner.
Parvataneni added that India has contributed to Afghanistan’s development through more than 500 development projects across all 34 provinces.
“Our commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan will continue. We are working with UN agencies, as well as organizations such as the Afghan Red Crescent Society, to deliver assistance to those who need it most,” he said.
Citing a report by the UN Secretary-General, India’s representative said 150 health facilities in Afghanistan had closed during the first half of this year. He called on countries to invest in strengthening Afghanistan’s healthcare system.
Parvataneni added that India has become a major destination for Afghan exports and is committed to expanding bilateral trade to support Afghanistan’s economic development.
India also provides duty-free access to Afghan goods in its market, facilitates trade through the Afghanistan-India air freight corridor, and issues free long-term business visas to Afghan traders.
The Indian representative also reaffirmed his country’s support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and wished Rabab Fatima, the mission’s new head, success.
Parvataneni further said that relations between India and Afghanistan are historical and extend beyond their present-day borders.
