India has expressed readiness to assist Taliban-governed Afghanistan in developing hydroelectric infrastructure, reaffirming its commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
Speaking at the ministry’s weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that India and Afghanistan share a long-standing history of cooperation in water resource management and could build upon that legacy to support sustainable development.
“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 through hydroelectric projects,” Mr. Jaiswal said.“As you know, there is a history of cooperation, including the Salma Dam in Herat province,” he added, referring to the Afghan-India Friendship Dam, one of India’s most significant development projects in Afghanistan.The Taliban administration has welcomed India’s offer. Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban spokesperson for international media, told The Hindu that there are “a lot of opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.”
“The need is to send delegates from various ministries to explore opportunities and areas of cooperation. Hydel power is one of them,” Mr. Shaheen said.According to diplomatic sources, India may consider dispatching technical or exploratory delegations once a formal request is received from the Taliban government.
Cooperation Amid Regional TensionsThe discussions on hydropower cooperation stem from the India–Afghanistan Joint Statement issued during the visit of Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India on October 10. The renewed focus on development collaboration comes amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have intensified following cross-border attacks earlier this month.
Addressing the issue, Mr. Jaiswal criticised Pakistan’s recent military actions along the Durand Line and in Kabul, describing them as violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
“Pakistan appears infuriated with Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its own territories. It seems to believe it has the right to engage in cross-border terrorism with impunity. Its neighbours find this unacceptable,” Mr. Jaiswal stated.“India remains fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan.”India’s expression of support signals a cautious but pragmatic approach to engaging with Afghanistan under Taliban rule, focusing on developmental cooperation rather than political recognition—particularly in sectors like hydropower, water management, and infrastructure, where India has a proven record of partnership. (Source: TheHindu)
