Indian government has asserted that its worth $3 billion project in Afghanistan stand for itself and felt regret over American official’s ignorance towards the project as the United States President Donald Trump has mocked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over funding its sponsored “library” in the war-torn Afghan country.
Trump has on Wednesday, mocked Modi over funding a “library” in Afghanistan worth $3 billion saying he does not know who will that work in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, India hoped to have talks with the US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad for Taliban peace talks, during Khalilzad’s visit to India expected to be next week for Raisina Dialogue. Khalilzad had till now, skipped two visit to India.
According to news reports, “India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives. India does not send its armed forces abroad except under the specific mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Operations.” India justified its partnership with Afghan.
It said: “This partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the government of Afghanistan. It is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people.”
“India seeks to build capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and its institutions for governance and delivery of public service, develop socio-economic infrastructure, secure lives and promote livelihood.”
Trump has said Modi was “constantly telling me he built a library in Afghanistan”. He said, “You know what that is? That’s like five hours of what we spend,” adding, “And we’re supposed to say, ‘Oh, thank you for the library.’ I don’t know who’s using it in Afghanistan.”
However, it was unclear what project was referred, but India has promised to provide assistance worth $3 billion to Afghanistan since 2001. India’s project included the re-construction of high school in Kabul and several scholarships for 1,000 Afghanistan students each year to India.
Reports said, “India has helped to build Parliament, if that is what he is referring to or Salma Dam, transmission lines, roads and over 400 high-impact community development projects. Delhi is probably third or fourth largest single country donor.”
Besides all these, India has made an announcement to assist Afghanistan with 116 small development projects.