Working with India to help other countries manage food crisis, says WFP India head

Last month India and the World Food Programme (WFP) signed an MoU to supply 10,000 mt of wheat to Afghanistan where nearly 19 million people – half of the population – are facing acute food insecurity, compounded by the recent earthquake that struck the eastern part of the country in June. The MoU marked the final tranche of 50,000 mt of wheat that New Delhi committed as humanitarian food assistance for Afghanistan in 2020 post the Taliban takeover. Bishow Parajuli, WFP’s Representative and Country Director in India, talks to Nayanima Basu in this #ThePrint interview to discuss the growing crisis of food in South Asia and in the world.
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[TimePeace]

This is the time that India can start making friends with all its neighbours. India can take the lead in establishing a joint fund to help Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan not just in the food crisis but helping them to restart their economies.

It's too much for India to bear the costs alone but it's an opportunity for India to invite any countries (including China and US) to contribute to the fund and support in building infrastructures and economic developments.

By bringing in different countries to help, these helps can be de-politicised to avoid further destabilization from big power competition.

A strong Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan can only bring more peace and well being to the region. A friendlier Pakistan can also be a start to resolve the long standing terrorism issues.