NEW DELHI: India has given a grant of Rs 4,312 crore to Afghanistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka between 2014 and January this year for development activities “in a spirit of promoting friendly ties”, the Government today informed Lok Sabha.
In a written response to a question, V K Singh, minister of state in the External Affairs Ministry, said India gave a grant of Rs 2,088.19 crore to Afghanistan, a country torn by war and insurgency, between 2014 and 2018 (until January).
Grants of Rs 1,199.09 crore and Rs 1,025.12 crore were given to Nepal and Sri Lanka respectively, he said.
“India has played an active role in rebuilding and reconstruction activities of several countries such as Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. India’s contribution to rebuilding efforts of these countries in a spirit of promoting friendly ties strengthens bilateral cooperation and promotes mutual goodwill,” he said.
Nepal was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015. Many of the country’s historic sites were damaged, including temples and monuments. Nearly 9,000 people died.
India was one of the first countries to respond.
India has also been carrying out development projects in Sri Lanka, which has witnessed a bloody civil war in the past. (AGENCIES)
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