New Delhi, Jan 3 (IBNS): India on Thursday defended its development activities in warn-torn Afghanistan after US President Donald Trump mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "constantly telling" him about a library India built in Afghanistan and wondering who was using it.
"India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives," NDTV quoted a source in the government as saying in response to Trump's comment.
"India's partnership with Afghanistan is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the government of Afghanistan and is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people," the source added.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Trump said: "I get along very well with India... Prime Minister Modi. But he's constantly telling me he build a library in Afghanistan."
Gesturing to emphasise on the futility and irrelevance of the exercise, Trump said: "That's like five hours of what we spend."
"I don't know who's using it in Afghanistan," he added.
It was not clear which specific project the US President was referring to.
Trump had also indicated that India, Pakistan and Russia should sent soldiers to Afghanistan to help end the civil war that has been going on for decades.
“India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives. India does not send its armed forces abroad except under the specific mandate of UN Peacekeeping Operations,” The Hindu quoted a source in the government as saying this in response.
Since 2001, India, says Hindustan Times, has spent more than $5 billion for the reconstruction of its long-term ally Afghanistan in the sectors of education, health and transportation infrastructure. It has also been helping the country stabilise a war-torn economy and runaway currency.
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