Afghanistan’s Minister for Public Health, Noor Jalal Jalali, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for an official visit, the Afghan health ministry confirmed.
This marks the third high-level Afghan visit to India in the past three months, following visits by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Industry Minister Nooruddin Azizi.
“The multi-day visit aims to strengthen bilateral health cooperation, promote the exchange of expertise, and coordinate joint initiatives,” the ministry stated.
During his stay, Jalali is scheduled to meet with Indian officials, particularly from the health sector, and participate in a series of organized programs. Discussions will focus on capacity-building for Afghan health workers, the import of quality medicines, medical equipment, and other related issues.
The visit comes after the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan banned the import of pharmaceutical goods from Pakistan.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, welcomed the Afghan delegation, saying, “The visit reflects India’s enduring support for Afghanistan’s healthcare system, and we look forward to productive discussions.”
Tensions with Pakistan remain unresolved, as Islamabad has demanded that Kabul take action against cross-border terrorism and prevent the TTP from using Afghan territory, claims denied by the Afghan Taliban.
Dialogue between the two countries had followed border clashes in October, with rounds of talks held in Turkey and mediated by Qatar and Turkey. Despite interventions, the discussions failed to produce a concrete agreement, and cross-border negotiations were described as entering an “indefinite phase” after the third round on November 7.
Following the stalled talks, the Afghan Taliban suspended trade ties with Pakistan, which had already closed the border for trade in response to the October clashes.
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