AMN /
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani today jointly inaugurated the Afghan India Friendship Dam, earlier know as Salma Dam in Herat.
Inaugurating the Dam, Prime Minister Modi said, that it was yet another giant step in Afghanistan’s march towards progress. Mr Modi thanked President Ghani for naming the dam as Afghan-India Friendship Dam. Prime Minister said, it is not just launching a project but both the countries are reviving a region, renewing life, restoring hope and redefining Afghanistan’s future. Mr Modi said, brave people of Afghanistan are sending a message that the forces of destruction and death, denial and domination shall not prevail.
Speaking on the o
ccasion, President Ghani expressed gratitude saying an old dream of his country’s people have been realised with India’s help. He said this dam will chart a new course of cooperation and prosperity. Mr Ghani also said Afghan people identify India with roads, dams and over 200 small development projects. He said, contrary to those who spread chaos and destruction, India and Afghanistan have taken the joint decision to build and grow.
1700 crore rupee Afghan-India Friendship Dam is a multipurpose project, which is undertaken by India is expected to irrigate 75 thousand hectares of land and generate 42 mega watt power. It will also provide water supply and other benefits to local people. Located at 165 km east of Herat town and connected with earthen road, the execution of project was a very difficult task. The successful completion of the project represents culmination of years of hard work by Indian and Afghan engineers and other professionals in very difficult conditions.
Mr Modi reached Afghanistan this afternoon on the first leg of his five nation visit to Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico.
From Afghanistan, Mr Modi will travel to energy-rich Qatar today itself. During Prime Minister’s visit to Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico, the focus will be on broadening bilateral trade, energy and security cooperation and push for India’s bid to become a member of Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG. He is likely to seek support of Switzerland and Mexico for India’s membership of the 48-member NSG as both these countries are key members of the grouping. India has formally applied for membership of the NSG on 12th of last month. During his talks with the Swiss President the Prime Minister may also raise the issue of black money stashed by Indians in Swiss banks.