‘Terror must no longer flow across the border’

In a veiled attack against Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Afghanistan will succeed only when terrorism no longer flows across the border and when nurseries and sanctuaries of terrorism are shut.

Declaring that India is in Afghanistan to contribute not to compete, to lay the foundations of future and not light the flame of conflict, Modi also said terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape the future of the strife-torn country or dictate the choices its people make.

The Prime Minister was addressing the Afghan Parliament here after inaugurating its swanky new building that was built by India at a cost of $90 million in the presence of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. 

In his nearly 40-minute address during which he received loud cheer by the assembled audience on several occasions, Modi also made a veiled reference to Pakistan’s reservations about Indian involvement in Afghanistan, saying: “There are some who do not want us to be here. There are some who did not want us to be here. There were those who saw sinister designs in our presence here. There are others who were uneasy at the strength of our partnership. Some even tried to discourage us.”

He added: “Afghanistan will succeed only when terrorism no longer flows across the border; when nurseries and sanctuaries of terrorism are shut; and, their patrons are no longer in business.” He further said: “Terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape Afghanistan’s future or dictate the choices Afghans make.”

Modi saluted people of Afghanistan for having faith in India and not judge it by others tell them, including about the mysterious Indian consulates, in another veiled dig at Pakistan.

“You never doubted the sincerity of our commitment and the strength of our friendship. And, you have seen the fruits of our partnership,” he said, adding: “You have judged us by what you see, not what others tell you, including about the mysterious Indian consulates.” 

Pakistan has long alleged that India was fomenting trouble in its Balochistan province through Indian consulates in Kandahar and Jalalabad.

“You know that India is here to contribute not to compete; to lay the foundations of future, not light the flame of conflict; to rebuild lives, not destroy a nation.”

Referring to the violence in Afghanistan for decades, Modi said: “Too much blood has flown down Kabul river. Too many tragedies have darkened the mountain slopes. Too many dreams have burnt in the fire of a senseless conflict.” He said efforts were underway to improve Afghanistan’s connectivity by land and sea, including through Chahbahar in Iran.