New Delhi (Web Desk)
India has offered to assist the Afghan Taliban in constructing a dam on the River Kunar, which originates in Chitral. This development follows orders from Afghanistan’s Taliban Supreme Leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, who recently instructed the Ministry of Energy to commence dam construction on the Kunar River as soon as possible. He emphasized that agreements should be made with domestic companies without waiting for foreign firms.
In response, India has extended its support for hydroelectric projects in Afghanistan. Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randeep Jaiswal stated in a press conference that India is ready to assist Afghanistan in building such projects, highlighting the countries’ history of cooperation in water-related matters. He cited the Salma Dam in Herat as an example of successful collaboration.
The Afghan Taliban welcomed India’s offer, with their ambassador in Qatar, Suhail Shaheen, telling The Hindu that there are many opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
The River Kunar flows out of Chitral, travels approximately 482 kilometers, and eventually merges with the Kabul River before re-entering Pakistan.