Published 17:23 IST, February 9th 2021
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani thanks PM Modi for 'gift of vaccines and water'
The Afghanistan President said that India’s help, that too at a critical time, symbolises the value of “decency, democracy and mutual trust”
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Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on February 9 thanked India and PM Narendra Modi for “gift of water” through signing of an agreement on Shahtoot dam and for 5,00,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine given by nation. 'Made in India' vaccine doses arrived in Afghanistan from Mumbai on February 7. While speaking at virtual summit, Afghan President said that India’s help, that too at a critical time, symbolises value of “decency, democracy and mutual trust” and furr added that Afghanistan cherishes India’s “act of exceptional generosity”.
Ghani said, “Your attention to Afghanistan and your offers of gift of life to Kabul and people of Afghanistan symbolise value of decency, democracy, humanity, mutual interest, mutual respect, mutual trust and our interdependent world”.
He added, “Your decision to provide us with 5,00,000 doses of vaccine at this critical time when Indians mselves are looking for every single vaccine could t be a greater gift... se will be administered to our frontline health workers and our heroic security forces and vulnerable people. We cherish this act of exceptional generosity”.
"With Shahtoot reservoir, we will be able to implement our vision of restoring natural beauty that captivated imagination of Babur. I thank India and Prime Minister Modi for offering this gift of water, in addition to gift of vaccines."
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India-Afghanistan sign Shahtoot dam agreement
Ghani’s statement comes after an agreement on Shahtoot dam in India-Afghanistan summit-level was signed by two sides. According to ANI, Shahtoot dam will provide clean drinking water to two million citizens of Kabul and will also be used for irrigation. While speaking about latest agreement, Afghan president said thanked PM Modi for offering “gift of water” and added that Shahtoot reservoir will be able to implement country’s vision of restoring beauty that captivated imagination of Babur.
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Ghani added, “This is moment for regional consensus and international consensus. For a guarantee of a stable and prosperous Afghanistan. We must ask world and all stakeholders to respect rules of sovereignty and international relations. Stop giving sanctuaries and stop interfering in affairs of ir neighbours”.
It is worth mentioning that Shahtoot dam is to be constructed on Kabul river basin, one of five river basins of Afghanistan. Along with dam, India has also pledged to rebuild Afghanistan by committing to USD 80 million worth projects. Around 150 projects have been anunced by India in conflict-ridden country.
(With inputs from ANI)
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17:23 IST, February 9th 2021