Highlights From PM Modi’s Speech in Afghanistan

Highlights of Modi’s speech in the first session of Afghanistan in the new building inaugurated by PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building of Afghanistan which was built byIndia.

Viewed as Indian support to Afghan democracy, the construction started almost six years ago in December.

The building was bombed by the Taliban – a point of contention between Pakistan and Afghanistan – and now houses a wing named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

PM Modi was a part of the first Parliament session in the building and addressed the Parliament.

Here are 10 highlights from the speech:

• Terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape Afghanistan’s future or dictate the choices Afghans make.
  
• 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.
  
• When Afghanistan becomes a haven of peace and a hub for the flow of ideas, commerce, energy and investments in the region, we will all prosper together.
  
• That (India’s efforts to improve connectivity through Afghanistan) is why I hope that Pakistan will become a bridge between South Asia and Afghanistan and beyond
  
• As we have stood with you in our efforts to rebuild your country, you have guarded and protected our people as your own. We have faced daily threats, but we feel secure in your midst.
  
• The Atal Block unites us in spirit, because Atal means hero in Pashto and in Hindi it means to be firm. It captures the spirit of Afghanistan and of our friendship
  
• You can be Pushtoons, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Hazaras. You can be Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. But, you are proud Afghans who can come together as one nation and one people.
  
• Those seeking territory through gun must seek power through ballot. Those who have destroyed homes must now rebuild their nation.
  
• No girl that steps into the world should slip into darkness of denied opportunities. No son should face the choice of gun or refuge in a distant land.
  
• For, the promise and the opportunities of the 21st century belong to Afghan youth as much as anyone else in the world. For India, this is a deeply held commitment.