India to increase aid to promote Afghanistan growth

By APD writer Rishika Chauhan

NEW DELHI, October 27 (APD): Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently stressed that India would increase reconstruction aid to Afghanistan and called for joint initiatives to fight terrorism.

Addressing the visiting Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, foreign ministry said in a statement, “The Indian leadership reiterated its support for a negotiated political reconciliation in Afghanistan that is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.”

The statement further emphasised that, “renunciation of violence and terror; and closure of cross-border safe havens and sanctuaries were essential for any meaningful progress and lasting peace.”

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani

This was President Ashraf Ghani fourth visit to India in the last three years and 12th meeting with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

Modi and Ghani discussed India’s development projects in Afghanistan. According to a report published in Hindustan Times, “India is one of the biggest regional donors of Afghanistan and has pledged $3.1 billion to the country since the ouster of the Taliban regime in November 2001.”

The new projects cover health, agriculture, drinking water, education, renewable energy, infrastructure and skills development, and capacity building.

Modi and Ghani agreed to fast-track Afghanistan’s reconstruction and economic development, and also provide effective governance.

The Indian authorities pledged more aid, to strengthen Afghan military and police forces. So far, India has trained thousands of Afghan defence and security personnel.

Connectivity was another topic that the two leaders discussed. India said that it would be sending wheat to Afghanistan through Iran’s Chabahar port.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)