EAM condoles quake deaths on call with Afghanistan FM

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reached out to his Afghan counterpart, Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, on November 3, 2025, to express his condolences over the tragic loss of lives caused by a recent earthquake in Afghanistan. The quake, measuring magnitude 6.3, struck the northern provinces of Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan in the early hours of Monday, near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. This natural disaster resulted in at least 20 fatalities and left more than 300 injured, marking a somber moment for the region. During the phone call, Jaishankar assured Muttaqi that India has already dispatched relief materials to the impacted areas, with additional medical supplies slated to arrive shortly. The Indian government is actively handing over these critical resources to support the affected communities, demonstrating a commitment to humanitarian assistance amid the crisis. Jaishankar also took the opportunity to discuss the progress made in bilateral relations since Muttaqi’s visit, highlighting the strengthening people-to-people contacts between the two countries and exchanging perspectives on the broader regional situation. India's support to Afghanistan's public health sector has been ongoing, as reflected by a recent donation of over 16 tonnes of anti-vector borne disease medicines. This contribution, acknowledged by a Taliban spokesperson, underscores India's continued dedication to bolstering Afghanistan's healthcare infrastructure. The medicines and diagnostic kits were handed to the Afghan Ministry of Public Health and are intended to aid the National Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Diseases Prevention Programme. These supplies are crucial in the fight against diseases such as malaria, dengue, and leishmaniasis, which remain significant health challenges in various regions of Afghanistan. According to statements released by the Taliban, this assistance from India is viewed as a significant humanitarian gesture and a step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation in public health and disease prevention. The Afghan Ministry of Public Health expressed deep gratitude for the timely support, emphasizing the importance of these medical supplies in strengthening disease control efforts, especially in vulnerable and high-risk communities. The ongoing collaboration between the two nations reflects a positive trajectory in addressing both emergency and long-term health concerns. The earthquake and subsequent relief efforts come at a time when the region is already grappling with multiple challenges. The tragedy has brought to light the vulnerabilities faced by Afghanistan’s northern provinces and the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian responses. The commitment shown by India in providing immediate aid and continuing health sector support exemplifies the role of international partnerships in disaster resilience and public health improvement. In conclusion, the dialogue between the External Affairs Minister of India and the Afghan Foreign Minister, alongside India’s material assistance, embodies a proactive approach to disaster response and bilateral cooperation. This engagement not only addresses the immediate needs caused by the earthquake but also strengthens the framework for future collaboration in public health and regional stability.