India Increases Aid to Afghanistan Amid Economic and Humanitarian Challenges

India has announced that in the 2026–27 financial budget, it has increased its aid to Afghanistan from 11 million dollars to over 16 million dollars. This decision comes as Afghanistan faces significant economic challenges and urgent humanitarian needs.

Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban’s representative office chief in Qatar, welcomed the move in an interview with Indian media, stating that the increased aid reflects both parties’ interest in strengthening bilateral relations. He described the decision as a sign of New Delhi’s continued engagement with Afghanistan.

According to Shaheen, as reconstruction efforts continue in Afghanistan, there are numerous investment opportunities that could attract Indian investors. However, observers emphasize that any aid and investment should be managed transparently and with a focus on the people, to truly improve the lives of Afghanistan’s residents and to prevent control solely by the Taliban administration.