India’s humanitarian hand reaches Iran as embassy dispatches donated medicines

A fresh consignment of medicines purchased through public donations in India has been dispatched to Iran, the country’s ambassador to New Delhi, Mohammad Fathali, announced on April 11, underscoring a growing humanitarian response driven by ordinary citizens.

The shipment — procured using voluntary contributions collected by the Iranian embassy — was sent a day after the mission deactivated its donation accounts, urging people to stop transferring funds to previously designated channels.

In a video message, Fathali said the initiative reflected India’s “sympathy and solidarity” with the people and government of Iran during a period of hardship. Standing before part of the consignment, he praised Indians as “reliable and compassionate partners” who had stepped forward in difficult times.

“This effort was made possible through the voluntary contributions of the people of India to purchase medicine,” he said, highlighting the scale of public participation.

The envoy confirmed that this marks the second such shipment, which has been dispatched to the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He also thanked the Government of India for facilitating the logistics and necessary arrangements.

On April 10, the embassy formally deactivated its fundraising accounts, cautioning donors against sending money to any accounts claiming affiliation with the mission.

In a message posted on X, the embassy expressed special gratitude to people in Kashmir for their support. “With hearts full of gratitude, we sincerely thank the kind people of Kashmir for standing with the people of Iran… this kindness will never be forgotten,” it said.

The development follows logistical hurdles that had delayed earlier dispatches. Around 40 tonnes of medicines procured in India had remained stranded after a Mahan Air aircraft scheduled to transport the supplies was damaged in an airstrike at Mashhad airport two weeks ago.

Separately, the Indian government has also sent a humanitarian consignment of medicines to Iran, reinforcing bilateral cooperation in the face of the ongoing crisis.