After two days visit to Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Afghanistan to inaugurate the newly-built Afghan parliament building in Kabul.
- The building is the latest symbol of a longstanding diplomatic effort by New Delhi to cultivate its links to Afghanistan.
- It was constructed by India at a cost of USD 90 million.
- The construction of building was started in 2009 and has missed its completion deadlines at least 3 times since 2011, and has gone over-budget by double the original costing of $45 million.
Bilateral talks
After inauguration, Delegation-level bilateral talks between the two countries were held on key bilateral issues including security co-operation and the ways to help the war-torn country.
- India has committed over USD 2 billion assistance.
- India is also supplying 3 Russian-made Mi-35 helicopters to Afghanistan’s air force.
Modi Visit to Pakistan
On his way back to India from Kabul he made an impromptu visit to Pakistan to wish his counterpart Nawaz Sharif on his birthday.
- During his 150-minute visit to Lahore, PM Modi held talks with Nawaz Sharif at the Pak PM’s residence. The two leaders decided to open ways for peace people of the two countries.
- Mr Modi is the first Indian PM to visit Pakistan since 2004.
The two countries have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947, two of them over Kashmir.
Keys
Afghanistan Capital – Kabul
Afghanistan Currency – Afghan afghani
Pakistan Capital – Islamabad
Pakistan Currency – Pakistani rupee
