PM Modi, Ghani Inaugurate Landmark Afghan-India Friendship Dam

Herat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday jointly inaugurated a landmark dam, a Rs 1,700 crore showpiece infrastructure project by India in strategically important Herat province, reflecting India's strong commitment to reconstruction of the war-ravaged country.

Modi is in Herat as part of his five-nation tour and it is his second visit to Afghanistan in less than six months.

Touted as a "landmark" infrastructure project, the dam located 165 km east of Herat town, is expected to significantly boost the agricultural economy of the province.

In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Ghani welcomed Modi to his "second home", Afghanistan, and said a "long standing dream" of the country has been realised after 30 years with help from India.

"Today, we come together to make eternal India Afghan ties and friendship. This Dam will chart a new course of cooperation and Prosperity," said Ghani adding "Our people identify India with roads, dams and over 200 small development projects."

"Contrary to those who spread chaos and destruction, we two countries have taken the joint decision to build and grow," said Ghani. The Herat province lies on the ancient trade routes of the Middle East, Central and South Asia. Roads from Herat to Iran, Turkmenistan, and other parts of Afghanistan are considered strategically important.

All equipment and material required for the dam were transported from India to Bander-e-Abbas port of Iran via sea route and then along 1200 km by road from there to Islam Kila border post at Iran-Afghanistan border and then further 300 km by road from the border post to the site. Over 1,500 Indian and Afghan engineers were involved in construction of the dam for several years in difficult condition.

Afghanistan is Modi's first stop as part of his five- nation tour which will also take him to Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico. Modi had visited Kabul on December 25 last year during which he had inaugurated a swanky Parliament complex that was built by India at a cost of USD 90 million.