Permanent Mission of India
Geneva
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Briefing by OCHA on Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan
[16/09/2016; 1530 hrs; Nations-Room V]

Statement by India

At the outset, I thank Mr. Andrew Wyllie, Officer-in-Charge of OCHA for convening this briefing on ‘Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan’ and the remarks of Ambassador Suraya Dalil, the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to UN in Geneva. This briefing has been extremely useful in understanding the needs and priorities of the people and Government of Afghanistan, and of the humanitarian community.

2.       We as brother, friend and neighbour of Afghanistan understand the reality on the ground and has been assisting the Government and people of Afghanistan in their efforts to bring back the country towards normalcy. We have completed three major projects, namely; India-Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat, Afghanistan Parliament building in Kabul and restoration of historic Stor Palace in Kabul; several other India-Afghanistan cooperation projects related to capacity building, employment generation, education and health and going on.

3.       I am happy to inform that the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has a very successful visit to India during this week on 14 & 15 September. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s abiding support for a unified, sovereign, democratic, peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. He conveyed India’s readiness to consider further requirements of Afghanistan for capacity and capability building in spheres such as education, health, agriculture, skill development, empowerment of women, energy, infrastructure and strengthening of democratic institutions. India has decided to provide an additional assistance of US$ 1 billion. India has also proposed to supply world class and easily affordable medicines and cooperation in solar energy through mutually agreed instruments.

4.       The Prime Minister of India and the President of Afghanistan underscored the significance of connectivity for Afghanistan and agreed to work jointly for development of several connectivity projects with an aim to push for development, employment and trade opportunities for Afghanistan.India also extended support to the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan scheduled on 4-5 October 2016 which focuses on 

• Joint international and Afghan efforts to increase the effectiveness of sustained international support and funding, on the basis of a new Afghan national development framework; 
• Afghan reform efforts, including on economic reform, rule of law, improved public finance management and anti-corruption so as to ensure the provision of the most important services and public goods;
• Regional efforts to support a political process towards peace and cross-border economic cooperation

Mr. Chair,

5.       Let me assure you that India remains committed to support the friendly people and the Government of Afghanistan in all its endeavours in bringing peace, development and prosperity, to best of its capabilities.

Thank you Chair