Date:05/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/05/stories/2008080554601000.htm

National

Grateful to India, says Karzai

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has said he was grateful to India for its assistance in the past as well as for the additional $450 million just pledged.

In a statement, Mr. Karzai said:

“India has been among the best contributors of assistance to the rebuilding of Afghanistan. You have provided us help in education in a significantly important way. A thousand scholarships a year for five years; you have been building transmission lines for us; constructing dams for us; building new roads for us; and helping in all manners where India could.

“On behalf of the Afghan people, Mr. Prime Minister, please convey our regards and thanks to the people of India.”