12 Jan : Reflecting India’s commitment to development of Afghanistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday announced a "gift" of 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat for the war-torn country and said a USD 111 million power project would be handed over to Kabul shortly.
At the talks between Dr Singh and Afghan President Hamid Karzai in New Delhi, the two leaders reviewed their "robust, strategic partnership" and expressed satisfaction at the progress in bilateral development and reconstruction projects in all parts of Afghanistan.
Dr Singh affirmed India’s commitment to help build a strong, united and prosperous Afghanistan.In view of the food crisis in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister announced a "gift" of 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan to help the fraternal people of the war-torn country tide over the situation.
The shipment will be effected immediately, as soon as the government of Afghanistan works out its transportation arrangements, the joint statement said.
The Prime Minister conveyed to Karzai that after the Zaranj-Delaram highway, India will shortly hand over to Afghanistan the second major infrastructure project — Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul transmission line and a sub-station at Chimtala in northern Afghanistan.The 220 kv double circuit transmission line between Pul-e-Khumri and Kabul and a 220/110/20 kv sub-station at Kabul are being built by India at a cost of USD 111 million.
The two leaders also expressed satisfaction at the start of construction of the Afghan Parliament, which is "a symbol of common commitment" of the two countries to pluralism and democracy.