Renovated Stor Palace boosts India-Afghan ties

Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 22

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani today inaugurated the renovated Stor Palace in Kabul via video conferencing. In December last year, the two leaders had inaugurated the new Kabul Parliament.

Both the buildings serve as perfect symbols of India’s ongoing reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and its commitment to stay put in the country. Sources said the renovated Stor Palace would house the office of the minister of foreign affairs of Afghanistan.

Modi, during the inauguration, said, “To those who cannot see beyond shadows of violence in Afghanistan, the restored Stor palace is a reminder of the glory of Afghanistan’s rich traditions.” The PM’s comments were directed at Pakistan which has increasingly attempted to push India out of the regional politics. Without mentioning the neighbouring state, the PM went on to state that Afghanistan “continues to be challenged by externally sponsored instruments and entities of violence and terror”.

Modi talked about the India, Afghanistan and Iran transit corridor deal — to develop the Chabahar port — and about the Salma Dam India has built in the Herat province as symbols of India and Afghanistan’s joint commitment in strengthening the foundations of modern Afghanistan.

Modi reiterated to Afghan people India’s commitment to stand by them as they march forward in building a modern state. “Let me assure the people of Afghanistan that in your quest to build a prosperous Afghanistan and to bring peace, security and stability to your society the 1.25 billion people of India will always be on your side.”

Ghani thanked the PM and said India and Afghanistan “both have decided to use our history for the advancement of our nations”.