October 10 , 2025 : India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has reiterated New Delhi’s unwavering commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, emphasizing that India will continue to support the Afghan people through humanitarian aid, development partnerships, and regional cooperation. Speaking at an international conference on regional stability and counterterrorism, the minister underscored that India’s policy toward Afghanistan remains guided by the principles of peace, inclusivity, and respect for sovereignty.
Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar highlighted that Afghanistan’s stability is essential for regional security and that the international community must not overlook the plight of its people. “India has always stood for an independent, peaceful, and stable Afghanistan. Our commitment to its sovereignty and the welfare of its citizens is consistent and enduring,” he stated.
The External Affairs Minister noted that India’s engagement with Afghanistan dates back decades, marked by deep cultural, civilizational, and economic ties. He reminded participants that India had been among the largest regional donors to Afghanistan, contributing over $3 billion in development assistance since 2001. Projects such as the Afghan Parliament building, Zaranj-Delaram Highway, Salma Dam, and hundreds of community development schemes reflect India’s long-term investment in Afghanistan’s growth.
Dr. Jaishankar also mentioned that, even after the political changes of August 2021, India continued its support through humanitarian assistance. “We have sent shipments of wheat, life-saving medicines, and vaccines to help the Afghan people cope with food insecurity and healthcare shortages,” he said. India has delivered more than 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat, medicines, and winter relief materials through the UN World Food Programme and other international agencies.
He cautioned, however, that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and stability face growing challenges due to the activities of extremist and terrorist groups operating from its territory. Without naming specific organizations, Jaishankar warned that the resurgence of terrorism poses a direct threat not only to Afghanistan but to the entire South and Central Asian region. “Terrorism should never be used as an instrument of statecraft. We must ensure that Afghanistan does not once again become a safe haven for extremist groups,” he asserted.
The minister stressed the importance of international coordination in addressing Afghanistan’s humanitarian and security crises. He urged regional powers to act responsibly and ensure that assistance reaches the Afghan people without political interference. “India believes in supporting the Afghan people directly. Our focus remains on food security, education for children—especially girls—and healthcare,” he added.
India has reopened its technical mission in Kabul to coordinate humanitarian and consular assistance, though it has not officially recognized the Taliban regime. This careful balancing act underscores India’s approach — one that prioritizes the Afghan people while maintaining its principled stance on democratic values and inclusive governance.
Dr. Jaishankar also called for the protection of the rights of women and minorities in Afghanistan. “The progress made over the past two decades in women’s education and participation must not be reversed. A truly inclusive Afghanistan, where all communities have a stake, is vital for lasting peace,” he said.
Observers note that Jaishankar’s remarks reaffirm India’s consistent foreign policy approach toward Afghanistan — one based on development cooperation, respect for sovereignty, and a strong stance against terrorism. His statement also comes at a time when geopolitical dynamics in the region are shifting, with several countries reassessing their engagement with the Taliban.
Foreign policy analysts have pointed out that India’s continued engagement, even in limited form, has helped maintain goodwill among ordinary Afghans. “India’s soft power — its educational scholarships, infrastructure projects, and humanitarian aid — continues to make a real difference,” said Dr. Harinder Singh, an international relations expert. “New Delhi’s approach is pragmatic: it’s about ensuring the Afghan people are not abandoned while staying true to its principles.”
Meanwhile, the international community continues to grapple with how best to engage Afghanistan’s de facto authorities without legitimizing actions that restrict fundamental rights. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) recently reported that the humanitarian situation remains dire, with over 23 million Afghans facing acute food insecurity.
In closing, Jaishankar reaffirmed that India’s approach will remain people-centric and rooted in regional stability. “Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. The Afghan people deserve peace, dignity, and development — and India will always stand by them,” he concluded.
India’s reaffirmation of its commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty comes amid global uncertainty over the country’s future, reinforcing New Delhi’s role as a responsible regional partner advocating for peace, stability, and human welfare in South Asia.
Summary
EAM S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and stability, emphasizing humanitarian aid, counterterrorism cooperation, and inclusive development while urging global unity to address Afghanistan’s ongoing challenges.