KABUL — India has delivered 2.5 tonnes of anti-cancer medicines to Afghanistan, the Taliban-run Ministry of Public Health announced on Wednesday (January 28).
In a statement, the ministry said the shipment was provided as part of humanitarian cooperation to support cancer patients and strengthen healthcare services in the country. Taliban health officials described the medicines as vital and said they would be distributed to health centers across Afghanistan after technical procedures are completed.
This is the second shipment of anti-cancer medicines sent by India in recent days. Earlier this week, New Delhi delivered nearly seven tonnes of similar medicines to Afghanistan.
The assistance comes amid growing tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan. The Taliban authorities have recently banned the import of medicines from Pakistan, claiming that Pakistani pharmaceutical products are of low quality. They have instead urged traders to seek alternative supply routes.
Following the ban, the cost of medical treatment has increased sharply across Afghanistan, according to local sources, adding further pressure on patients and healthcare providers.
Relations between the Taliban and Pakistan have deteriorated in recent months over border security issues, trade disputes, and Islamabad’s concerns about militant activity along the Afghan–Pakistani border. Pakistan was previously one of the Taliban’s closest regional supporters.
In contrast, the Taliban have expanded engagement with India, which has continued humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan despite not formally recognizing the Taliban government. Since August 2021, India has provided food aid, medical supplies, and other humanitarian assistance to Afghans.
Afghanistan’s healthcare system remains fragile due to decades of conflict, economic collapse, sanctions, and shortages of essential medicines, with cancer patients among the most affected.
