PM Modi expresses concern over increasing violence in Afghanistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed concern over increasing violence in Afghanistan and called for a comprehensive ceasefire for ending hostilities, while assuring India's full support in development journey of war-ravd country.

In a virtual meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Modi said as close neighbours and strong strategic partners, both India and Afghanistan want to see region free of extremism and terrorism. prime minister also said "outside force" will be able to stop Afghanistan's journey towards development as well as its friendship with India.

Referring to Afghan peace process, he said unity within country was important and hoped that a "united Afghanistan'' will be capable of dealing with any challenge facing it. "We are concerned over increasing violence in Afghanistan....we support a comprehensive ceasefire in country," prime minister said.

online meeting was held to finalise an agreement under which India will construct a dam in Kabul river basin to supply water to Afghan capital city. In his remarks, Ghani said India's development assistance to Afghanistan is iconically marked on country's landscape.

India has been a major stakeholder in peace and stability of Afghanistan and it has alrey invested USD two billion in aid and reconstruction activities in war-ravd country. In vember last, India anunced a new pack of over 100 high impact community projects worth USD 80 million for Afghanistan at a global conference on Afghanistan. Shahtoot Dam in Kabul is part of new developmental pack. agreement was signed by foreign ministers of two countries.