India plans to send food to Afghanistan

India plans to send food and medical aid to Afghanistan amid warnings that the Taliban-controlled nation could face a catastrophic famine this winter.

India is considering options to transport 50,000 metric tonnes (MT) of wheat and medical aid to Afghanistan.

India may transport the aid to Afghanistan via the Attari-Wagah border. This, however, will be subject to Pakistan's approval as it does not allow two-way trade for India and Afghanistan via this border.

India is in touch with Pakistan to resolve this issue.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for "urgent and unhindered" humanitarian assistance to Afghan citizens.

Speaking at the G20 summit on Afghanistan, PM Modi had noted that the Afghan people have a great feeling of friendship for India and that every Indian feels the pain of Afghan people facing hunger and malnutrition.

Meanwhile, UN World Food Programme (WFP) had earlier said it is in touch with India to donate wheat to Afghanistan.