India's Permanent Representative at the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, expressed concern over the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, stating that the country's immediate priority is the formation of an inclusive government structure, combating terrorism, and preserving women, children, and minorities' rights.
Ms. Ruchira stated that humanitarian assistance for Afghan people by establishing an inclusive and representative government is an important point. The fight against terrorism and drug trafficking, and the protection of women's, children's, and minorities' rights are among our shared and immediate priorities.
She further states that the Indian government has been strongly advocating an inclusive government in Kabul to ensure that no terrorist act should be instigated or carried forward against any other country. In addition to this, the Taliban government has promised earlier to grant women the freedom to work and pursue education since it took over Afghanistan in August 2021 but the commitments have not yet been fulfilled. The majority of public spaces are off-limits to women, and this restriction has drawn criticism from all around the world.
According to Ms. Ruchira, the natural calamities have worsened the humanitarian situation making the people's lives deeply affected. She emphasized that the international community should closely look into the condition of Afghan lives and stressed the importance of providing humanitarian needs as a top priority. More than 2,000 people were killed by several earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.0 and higher that struck western Afghanistan between October 7 and October 15.
She continued that, India has provided concrete humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan quite many times and it will continue to do so whenever needed for the welfare of the Afghan people. The Indian government is also providing scholarship programs for Afghan students. Additionally, over 500 projects have been initiated for the welfare of people including road connectivity, agriculture, healthcare, electricity, education, water, and electricity supply.
