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.”
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“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.
