India’s Aid to Afghanistan

February 24, 2022

On February 22, 2022, India sent first tranche of 2,500 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan, loaded in 50 trucks.

Key Points

First convoy would hand over the consignment to World Food Programme (WFP) at Jalalabad in Afghanistan.
Wheat assistance will be delivered in multiple consignments.
India has been insisting for equal distribution of aid to all the needy irrespective of caste and creed.
Each bag is stamped with text “Gift from the people of India to the people of Afghanistan” in English, Dari and Pashto languages.

Background

This shipment is a part of commitment made by Government of India. For this purpose, Government had signed an agreement with the WFP, to distribute 50,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan.

Flagging off the first convoy

The first convoy of 50 trucks carrying 2500 MT of wheat assistance to Afghanistan was flagged off in a ceremony held at Amritsar. It was flagged off by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Afghan Ambassador Farid Mamundzay and Country Director of World Food Program Bishaw Parajuli.

Shelf life of wheat

The sacks are double bagged, in order to preserve the consignment from moisture and any infection. Shelf life of the wheat is minimum of one year from the date of dispatch. All the necessary information has been clearly mentioned on the bag.

Fumigation of the consignment

Fumigation of the consignment has been done for long passage time, before handing over to transportation. Food Corporation of India (FCI) is providing necessary phytosanitary and fit to consumption certificate. India is also getting wheat quality tested by WFP approved laboratories.

India’s aid to Afghanistan

India is committed to its special relationship with Afghani people. Extending its support, India has already supplied 500 units of winter clothing, 13 tons of essential lifesaving medicines and 500,000 doses of COVAXIN. These consignments were handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital in Kabul and World Health Organisation (WHO).

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