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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj noted the dam was built in “very difficult and hostile” conditions. (File Photo)
India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has reaffirmed India’s continued support to Afghanistan, saying the county will stand like a rock with Afghanistan.
Swaraj was speaking during an event organized by Water Resources Ministry to felicitate its personnel and workers who successfully completed the construction of India-Afghan Friendship Dam in Herat.
“We want to convey this to the people of Afghanistan through Osmani Sahab (Afghanistan Minister) that India will stand like a rock with them. We are committed to your economic prosperity and security,” she said.
Swaraj further added that the dam was built in “very difficult and hostile” conditions by WAPCOS Ltd, a public sector undertaking under the Water Resources Ministry, even as Indian nationals were attacked in Afghanistan.
The Afghan and Indian leaders inaugurated the dam earlier this month after its construction work was completed with the financial support of India as Afghan officials are saying around $300 million has been invested by the Indian government on the dam.
Salma dam is expected to produce 42 megawatt of electricity and will irrigate around 80 hectares of agricultural land, having a reservoir of 20 kilometer long and 3 kilometer wide.
India has played a crucial role by participating in the rebuilding of Afghanistan following the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001.
Since 2002, the Government of India has committed USD 2 billion dollars to the socio-economic rebuilding of the Afghan state and society in accordance with the development priorities of the Government and the people of Afghanistan. -KP
THE PASHTUN TIMES
