Afghan Health Minister Noor Jalali Appreciates India’s Support Amid Tensions with Pakistan

KABUL / DELHI: Afghanistan’s Taliban-appointed Health Minister, Maulvi Noor Jalal Jalali, is currently on an official visit to India, seeking enhanced support for the country’s healthcare sector. Jalali praised India for its consistent assistance to Afghanistan, particularly during times of heightened tensions with Pakistan, expressing gratitude for Delhi’s timely support.

Speaking to WION’s Siddhant Sibal, Jalali highlighted India’s significant role in Afghanistan’s health infrastructure. He mentioned the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul as one of Afghanistan’s leading pediatric hospitals, underscoring India’s contribution to medical development in the country.

Strengthening India-Afghanistan Ties

Jalali emphasized that the purpose of his Delhi visit is to discuss health-related cooperation with India. “Our engagement with India has traditionally focused on the people. In areas such as health, education, and humanitarian assistance, we consider India an important regional partner,” he said.

He noted that thousands of Afghan patients regularly travel to India for treatment, with medical visas serving as a vital humanitarian channel. Recent years have seen an increasing number of Afghans benefiting from these medical visas, reflecting India’s ongoing commitment.

Support During Crises and Tensions with Pakistan

Jalali explained that Afghanistan has faced over 45 years of conflict and instability, during which India has consistently provided medical support. Being a landlocked nation, Afghanistan has historically depended on multiple routes for medical imports, with India playing a key role in recent years.

“When tensions with Pakistan disrupted supply routes, India helped ensure continuous medical supplies, alternative pathways, and solutions. This reduced our dependency on a single corridor,” Jalali said.

Diversifying Medical Partnerships

While Afghanistan continues to have capable doctors and infrastructure, Jalali stressed the importance of diversifying international partnerships for medical supplies and equipment. “This visit to India is part of that effort. We hope that in the coming years, India-Afghanistan relations will grow even stronger,” he added.