Why India Sent Earthquake Aid To Afghanistan Via Kabul And Not Delhi | Explained

Last Updated:September 04, 2025, 13:13 IST

EAM Jaishankar said earthquake relief was sent via Kabul, sparking debate as some users wrongly claimed India didn’t dispatch aid from Delhi like during Turkey, Syria disasters

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India had delivered tents for 1,000 families in Kabul. (X/@DrSJaishankar)

India has recently dispatched relief material to support those affected by the earthquake in Afghanistan. The aid package includes essential items such as blankets, tents, medicines, water tanks, generators, and sleeping bags.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the delivery, noting the supplies were sent via Kabul. This sparked a debate on social media, as some users claimed relief was not dispatched directly from Delhi, unlike during earlier disasters in Turkey and Syria.

Concerns have been raised particularly because during the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria in February 2023, India had sent relief materials under ‘Operation Dost’ from Delhi to Adana Airport in Turkey via Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster aircraft. This operation included a special team from the Disaster Response Force (NDRF), medical facilities, drilling machines, and other equipment.

When Was The Aid Sent?

The first shipment of relief materials was sent on September 1. The External Affairs Minister stated that India had delivered tents for 1,000 families in Kabul. Additionally, 15 tonnes of food items were sent from Kabul to Kunar by the Indian Mission. More supplies are scheduled to be dispatched from India, demonstrating India’s solidarity with Afghanistan during this challenging time.

The second batch of relief materials was sent on September 2. Jaishankar wrote on X, “Indian earthquake assistance reaches Kabul by air. 21 tonnes of relief materials including blankets, tents, hygiene kits, water storage tanks, generators, kitchen utensils, portable water purifiers, sleeping bags, essential medicines, wheelchairs, hand sanitizers, water purification tablets, ORS solutions and medical consumables were airlifted today. India will continue to monitor the ground situation and send more humanitarian aid over the coming days."

Investigation Findings

An investigation by News18 revealed that the relief materials were indeed sent from India, transported to Kabul via a Kam Air plane. The photographs posted by Jaishankar also show the Kam Air plane, confirming that the aid originated from India.

Where Did The Question Arise?

An Afghan journalist reported on X that Pakistan has blocked direct road and trade routes from India to Afghanistan, necessitating the air route for aid delivery.

Journalist Habib Khan echoed this on Twitter, stating that Pakistan has also closed its airspace to India, preventing direct flights to Afghanistan. Consequently, India had to adopt alternative routes to deliver the relief materials to Kabul.

India’s Generous Efforts

India’s efforts have been widely praised on social media, with users commending the country for its generosity in such difficult circumstances. Comments highlighted that India consistently provides aid to those in need, regardless of the challenges involved.

Others noted that India acted strategically and wisely in this situation, underscoring its commitment to humanitarian assistance for its neighbours and other nations. One user remarked that despite the obstacles, the aid arrived on time, exemplifying true humanity.

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