US-Iran War Disrupts Supply: 40 Tonnes of Medicines for Iran Stuck in India

Around 40 tonnes of medicines purchased in India for Iran remain held at the Iranian embassy in New Delhi after planned transport arrangements were disrupted, The Indian Express reported. The shipment was meant to be airlifted by a Mahan Air aircraft that was scheduled to arrive in India, but the plane was damaged in an air strike at Mashhad airport last week, an official told the newspaper. Efforts are now underway to find an alternative route, though officials said the situation remains challenging.Earlier, smaller consignments were routed to Tehran through Armenia, but this was expected to be the largest delivery so far. The supplies were procured using donations raised in India during the ongoing conflict, the report said.Officials indicated

growing concern over medicine shortages in Iran, particularly as some pharmaceutical facilities have reportedly been targeted in recent days, affecting production and availability.

On March 30, the Iranian embassy, citing Tehran’s civil aviation organisation, said, “The attack on an Iranian aircraft carrying medicines and medical equipment constitutes a war crime and a clear violation of international law.”Sources in New Delhi said Iran had informed Indian authorities of its plan to use donated funds to purchase medicines locally, and approvals were granted.

Diplomatic norms do not specifically address fundraising by embassies, but regulations require missions to open separate bank accounts, with government approval, to receive such contributions. The Iranian embassy later opened a dedicated account with the State Bank of India after initially using its primary account, the report added.Meanwhile, India has also supplied medicines to Iran as part of humanitarian assistance, according to officials.The US and Israel jointly attacked Iran on February 28, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top commanders. The retaliation by the Islamic Republic extended the war to the entire Gulf region. The conflict has taken a major toll on energy supply chains, especially across the Strait of Hormuz.