As Pakistan continues mass deportations of Afghan refugees, India has stepped in with vital humanitarian aid, providing food supplies to around 5,000 displaced families.

According to the Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, the aid—comprising 11 essential food items—was distributed in Kabul through the local Directorate of Refugees.

Maulvi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s Minister for Refugees, conveyed gratitude to India in a message read by Zakirullah Zakir during an official aid ceremony. “India’s help has come at a time when our people are facing extreme hardship,” he said, urging global support for returnees.

Deputy Finance Minister Kalim al-Rahman Fani acknowledged ongoing challenges for returnees despite efforts to develop 58 new townships across 31 provinces.

India’s aid comes as Pakistan expels thousands of Afghan migrants, citing security concerns. While Islamabad has linked the deportations to alleged Taliban-India ties, no evidence has been presented.

India’s response highlights its humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan, even without formal ties with the Taliban administration.