Kabul: Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi today inaugurated India's symbolic gift of democracy to Afghanistan -- it's new Parliament building -- built at a cost of about USD 90 million.
He also addressed a joint session of the two Afghan Houses in the new Parliament complex.
Also Read: Full Text: PM Narendra Modi address to Afghanistan parliament
Highlights:
* Sher Khan sang in Zanjeer "yaari hai imaan mera, yaar meri zindagi". In every step of Afghan's journey, India will be with you: PM
* I am confident that hope will return to your homes, laughter in your schools, life in your streets prosperity in your cities: PM
* Every youth in Afghanistan should see a future in which IT stands for information technology, not international terrorism: PM
* Afghans are not only fighting for their future but are standing up for all of us and a safer world: PM
* The promise and the opportunities of the 21st century belong to Afghan youth as much as anyone else in the world: PM
* As Afghans take responsibility for their future, the world must stand with them in solidarity and support: PM
* I hope that Pakistan will become a bridge between South Asia & Afghanistan & beyond: PM Modi
* Terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape Afghanistan's future or dictate the choices Afghans make: PM Modi
* Afghanistan will succeed only when terrorism no longer flows across the border; when nurseries and sanctuaries of terrorism are shut: PM
* India is here to contribute not to compete. To lay foundations of future not light flame of conflicts: PM Modi
* You know that India is here to lay the foundations of future, not light the flame of conflict; to rebuild lives, not destroy a nation: PM
* Today, I announce 500 scholarships for children of the martyrs of Afghan security forces while scheme of 1000 scholarships will continue: PM
* There are others who were uneasy about the strength of our partnership. But here we are, because you have faith in us: PM
* There are some who didnt want us to be here, some saw sinister designs: PM Modi
* India is here to contribute not to compete; to lay the foundations of future, not light the flame of conflict: PM
* To every Afghan, who risked or lost his life so that his Indian guest is safe, I convey the eternal gratefulness of India: PM
* Indians remember the support of Afghan for freedom struggle, the contribution of Abdul Gaffar Khan referred as Frontier Gandhi: PM Modi
* We are pleased that our scholarships & training programmes are empowering Afghan youth with modern education and professional skills: PM
* Our partnership helped rural communities get schools, minor irrigation, health centres, welfare for children & opportunities for women: PM
* Together we have built roads that have brought regions closer; power transmission lines & power stations that light up Afghan homes: PM Modi
* In the heart of every Indian and Afghan, there is boundless love for each other: PM Modi
* This building will stand as enduring symbol of ties of emotions & values, of affection & aspirations that bind us together: PM Modi
* We couldn't have chosen a more special day than birthday of one of our tallest leaders of our time,former PM & Bharat Ratna Atal ji: PM Modi
* Deeply touched that you have chosen to name one of the wings in this building Atal Block: PM Modi
* We could not have chosen a more special day than the birthday of former PM Vajpayee ji who dreamt of this project with Karzai Saheb: PM Modi
* I am humbled and honoured to join Pres. Ghani and all the MPs to dedicate this new abode of democracy to the Afghan nation: PM Modi
* I stand here representing my people-in admiration of your achievements, with gratitude for your friendship, in solidarity for the future: PM Modi
* I stand here on behalf of 1.25 billion friends in India: PM Modi
* A country with an abiding faith in tradition of Jirga has chosen democracy, against challenges that would have defeated lesser people: PM
* Rumi said "Raise your words, not voice", this is the wisdom of this magnificent land: PM Modi in Afghan Parliament
Modi, who flew in the wee hours from Moscow, where he had annual summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was received by Afghan National Security Adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar and deputy Foreign minister Hekmat Karzai.
"From Russia to Afghanistan. A pre-dawn arrival in Kabul begins a day of engagements with another dost," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
On his arrival Modi said, "Delighted to be in Kabul among friends. Will meet Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah and former President Hamid Karzai".
The PM's day-long visit, his first to Afghanistan, since taking office in May last year, was not officially announced for security reasons.
Also Read: India, Afghanistan hold bilateral talks
PM Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani are also expected to issue a joint statement after holding talks on key bilateral issues, including security co-operation.
The construction work of Afghanistan's new Parliament was started by India in 2007 as a mark of friendship and cooperation to help rebuild the war-torn nation. The building was set to be completed in November 2011 but it missed at least three deadlines since then.
Significantly, prior to the Prime Minister's visit, India has delivered three Mi 25 attack helicopters to Afghanistan, in what is seen as a shift in its strategy towards the strife-torn country.
Defence sources said that three such choppers have already been delivered to the Afghan government, which will boost its capability against Taliban terrorists.
