3449 . INDIAN PROJECTS IN AFGHANISTAN

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether India is playing a key role in the development and reconstruction of Afghanistan after the end of Taliban regime;

(b) if so, the number of projects undertaken by Indian companies and total aid being provided by Indian Government to Afghanistan annually;

(c) whether Afghanistan has requested for more aid from Indian Government for its infrastructure projects; and

(d) if so, the action taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER : THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) India is both a neighbour of Afghanistan as well as one of the major partners in Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development. Both the international community and the Government of Afghanistan have conveyed that they believe that India has an important role to play in Afghanistan. India remains committed to assisting the people and Government of Afghanistan as they build a peaceful, pluralistic, and prosperous country.

(b) While there are a number of Indian companies executing projects in Afghanistan, under Government’s aid to Afghanistan, three projects are being executed by Indian companies. In Financial Year 2011-12, Rs. 327.59 crores was spent under the ‘Aid to Afghanistan’ head of MEA’s budget.

(c) & (d) Government’s assistance to Afghanistan is predicated on requests received from the Government of Afghanistan. Action is taken through mutual consultations to implement such projects.

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