Overview
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India stands ready to support Afghanistan on sustainable water management, including hydroelectric projects, citing past cooperation such as the Salma Dam.
- The Taliban welcomed the offer, with spokesperson Suhail Shaheen pointing to opportunities for cooperation and suggesting ministerial visits to identify specific areas, including hydropower.
- The Taliban’s Ministry of Information said Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered rapid work on a Kunar River dam and the awarding of contracts to local companies, which officials frame as asserting water sovereignty.
- Reporters, citing sources, noted that Kabul has not yet formally sought Indian technical assistance for the new dam project.
- India criticized Pakistan over cross-border attacks and reaffirmed Afghanistan’s sovereignty, as concerns in Islamabad grow about downstream impacts on the Kabul River from potential Kunar projects.