India ready to help Afghanistan build hydroelectric facilities: MEA

India is willing to support Taliban-governed Afghanistan in building “hydroelectric projects,” the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said on Thursday. Addressing the weekly MEA press conference Mr. Jaiswal said that the two sides can build on a “history of cooperation” on water-related matters and reiterated that India remains “committed” to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. The Taliban side has welcomed Mr. Jaiswal’s remarks about cooperation in hydroelectric projects.

“As emphasised in the recently adopted India-Afghanistan Joint Statement, India stands ready to support Afghanistan in its efforts to manage water resources sustainably, including with hydroelectric projects,” said Mr Jaiswal, adding, “As you know, there is a history of cooperation, including the Salma Dam in Herat province.”

The Taliban spokesperson for international media, Suhail Shaheen welcomed the announcement and said, “there are a lot of opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.”

“The need is to send delegates from various ministries to explore the opportunities and areas of cooperation. Hydel power is one of them,” Mr. Shaheen told The Hindu. Sources here indicated that India will consider the idea of sending delegates if the Taliban sends appropriate requests.

Pakistan, Afghanistan hostilities

Cooperation to build hydel power projects was part of a joint statement issued during a visit by the Taliban’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on October 10. The comments about building hydroelectric projects in Afghanistan come against the backdrop of Afghanistan-Pakistan hostilities that are expected to simmer for some time despite international attempts to secure a ceasefire.

Referring to the attacks that Pakistan carried out against Afghanistan earlier this month along the Durand Line and also on the capital, Kabul, Mr. Jaiswal said, “Pakistan is infuriated with Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its own territories.

“Pakistan seems to think that it has the right to practice cross-border terrorism with impunity. Its neighbours find it unacceptable. India remains fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan,” said Mr. Jaiswal.