40 tons of life-saving medicines stuck in Delhi amid Iran crisis, US airstrike disrupts delivery plan

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A major humanitarian concern has emerged amid the ongoing war in Iran, as its impact is now directly affecting civilians. In a shocking development, a consignment of 40 tons of life-saving medicines purchased in India remains stranded in New Delhi, with no immediate way to transport it to Iran.

These medicines were procured by the Iranian Embassy using donations collected in India, intended to provide urgent medical relief to people affected by the conflict. However, the worsening situation has halted the entire plan, leaving the crucial aid stuck.

How a US airstrike derailed the plan

According to a senior official from the Iranian Embassy, the issue began last week when a US airstrike damaged a Mahan Air aircraft at Mashhad Airport. The same aircraft was scheduled to arrive in New Delhi, pick up the medical consignment, and transport it to Tehran.

Following the attack, the plan collapsed. The official stated that the very aircraft meant to deliver life-saving medicines was targeted, disrupting the humanitarian effort. The embassy is now exploring alternative routes, but ongoing conflict has made logistics extremely difficult.

Largest medical shipment faces transport and security hurdles

Sources say this would have been the largest medical shipment sent to Iran so far, at a time when such supplies are critically needed. Earlier, two smaller consignments were successfully transported to Tehran via Armenia.

However, moving a 40-ton cargo through the same route is not feasible. Apart from transportation challenges, safety concerns have also intensified. In recent days, even medical facilities and pharmaceutical infrastructure in Iran have reportedly come under attack.

The Iranian Embassy had earlier issued a strong statement on March 30, calling attacks on aircraft carrying medicines and medical equipment a “war crime” and a violation of international law.

Medicines funded through donations in India

Notably, the funds for purchasing these medicines were raised through donations within India. Initially, contributions were collected in the embassy’s main account, but later a separate account was opened with State Bank of India to comply with regulations.

While international conventions like the Vienna Convention do not clearly define rules for such fundraising, embassies typically require host country approval for banking arrangements.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has also sent a separate humanitarian consignment of medicines to Iran. However, the 40-ton shipment stuck in New Delhi continues to await a safe passage.