Days after condemning Pak airstrikes, India in a first engages with Afghanistan's Taliban regime

The two sides discussed various issues pertaining to bilateral relations as well as regional developments in a meeting which was held in Dubai.

Misry underlined India's historic friendship with the Afghan people and the strong people to people contacts between the two countries.

In this context, he conveyed India’s readiness to respond to the urgent developmental needs of the Afghan people.

The two sides evaluated the ongoing Indian humanitarian assistance programmes.

The Afghan minister appreciated and thanked the Indian leadership for continuing to engage and support the people of Afghanistan.

In view of the current need for development activities, it was decided that India would consider engaging in development projects in the near future, in addition to the ongoing humanitarian assistance programme.

The meeting was held amid the deteriorating terms between Afghanistan and India's hostile neighbour Pakistan.

The Indian government earlier this week condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan and slammed Islamabad for its "old practice" of blaming neighbours.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement, "We have noted the media reports on airstrikes on Afghan civilians, including women and children, in which several precious lives have been lost.

"We unequivocally condemn any attack on innocent civilians. It is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures. We have also noted the response of an Afghan spokesperson in this regard."

It may be recalled that in response to the needs of the Afghan people, India has decided to extend humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

India has so far dispatched several shipments consisting of 50,000 MTs of wheat, 300 tons of medicines, 27 tons of earthquake relief aid, 40,000 litres of pesticides, 100 million polio doses, 1.5 million doses of COVID Vaccine, 11,000 units of hygiene kits for the drug de-addiction programme, 500 units of winter clothing and 1.2 tons of stationery kits, etc.

In response to the request from the Afghan side, India will provide further material support in the first instance to the health sector and for the rehabilitation of refugees.

The two sides also discussed strengthening sports (cricket) cooperation, which is highly valued by the young generation of Afghanistan. It was also agreed to promote the use of Chabahar port for supporting trade and commercial activities, including for the purpose of humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan.

The Afghan side underlined its sensitivities to India's security concerns. The two sides agreed to remain in touch and continue regular contacts at various levels.