Opinion India’s quick response to earthquake in Afghanistan speaks of it as an emerging leader in providing food aid

The World Food Programme (WFP) required US$568 million for life-saving operations until February 2026, and the earthquake will increase the burden at a time when attention and funding are significantly less than needed. The Government of India and WFP joined hands in 2022 to provide wheat to the people of Afghanistan in their hour of need. Under this partnership, India has supplied a total of 47,500 metric tonnes of grain as assistance to WFP centres across Afghanistan, assisting millions of families.

India’s transformation in agriculture and food security

Once a country dependent on food assistance, India today is an emerging leader in humanitarian assistance — offering hope and sustenance not only to its population but also to communities beset by crises beyond its borders. Following independence, the country faced ongoing droughts, crop failures, and poverty, becoming a major recipient of international food aid. Images from that era evoke memories of ships laden with wheat docked at Indian ports, their cargoes intended to support millions.

But what followed was a story of transformation — one that the World Food Programme has been part of for over six decades. India embarked on a journey of self-sufficiency, innovation, and capacity-building. The Green Revolution introduced new technologies, improved seeds, and better irrigation systems, transforming India from a country on the brink of starvation to one that would eventually attain food security for its growing population. Let me share some highlights from the inspiring and evolving story of India.

The lessons of the Green Revolution remain relevant for any country seeking to break the cycle of hunger. By developing robust supply chains, storage facilities, and public distribution networks, India has ensured that food reaches the poorest and most marginalised citizens. This infrastructure now supports international assistance efforts, demonstrating the value of building resilient systems that can pivot in times of crisis.

India’s growing humanitarian role

India stands as a champion of “South-South” cooperation — sharing expertise, resources, and technology with other developing nations. This approach is vital for fostering sustainable, locally-led solutions to hunger.

Bangladesh hosts nearly one million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar. High population density, limited resources, and precarious nutrition levels characterise the camp settings. India’s support — delivering food, shelter, materials, and medical supplies—has helped to ease the burden both on the Bangladeshi government and the refugees themselves. This act of solidarity is particularly significant given the region’s complex geopolitics and India’s historical ties with both Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Political unrest and conflict in Myanmar itself have disrupted livelihoods and food systems, pushing communities into crisis. India’s response — mixing diplomacy with food aid — has helped maintain pathways for humanitarian access and support for those in need, even when broader international engagement has faltered. India’s success in achieving food security — and its emergence as an international humanitarian donor, especially in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar — is predicated on internal investments in agricultural research, infrastructure, and education.

Innovations and partnerships

In a world where hunger needs far outweigh the resources, disruptions in funding, supply chains, and a changing global equation necessitate that we not only be efficient with what we have but also focus on innovation and humanitarian alliances around common principles, as food is a pathway to peace.

India’s transformation was made possible by strong partnerships between the government, scientists, farmers, and international donors. Today, India extends that ethos to its humanitarian response, working with WFP and other organisations to reach those most in need. We are excited to see the Indian government’s strong intent to pursue this path by making further investments in humanitarian response, while leveraging innovation and collaboration on a scale that few other nations can match.

WFP is now starting a new strategic procurement partnership with the Government of India’s Department of Food and Public Distribution to supply fortified rice, aiming to help meet the food and nutritional needs of the most vulnerable people in crisis zones worldwide. This collaboration underscores the strength of global partnerships. By sourcing rice from India, WFP will utilise the resources of an agricultural surplus nation to deliver life-saving aid and make tangible progress against hunger.

Food insecurity and malnutrition remain alarmingly high worldwide, caused by conflict, natural disasters, extreme weather events, and economic instability. It is estimated that at least 319 million people face acute food insecurity in countries supported by the WFP. Throughout the remainder of 2025, concerning levels of hunger are expected to continue. In this context, India’s journey thus far reminds us that progress is possible and highlights our shared responsibility to continue the fight against global food insecurity.

The writer is the Asia-Pacific Regional Director of the World Food Programme