By IANS,
New Delhi : The cabinet Thursday okayed construction of Afghanistan’s parliament building and the Indian chancery complex in Kabul.
The government approved these projects at a revised cost of Rs.950 crore (Rs.9.5 billion/approximately $200 million).
“The construction of the parliament building will be a visible symbol of India’s contribution for strengthening and rebuilding democracy in Afghanistan,” Prithviraj Chavan, minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), told reporters after a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
“The construction of the chancery complex will provide a secure and functional base for our diplomatic functions in Kabul,” he said.
The Indian mission in Kabul was bombed July 7, killing 54 people including two diplomats and two security personnel.
India has placed $1.2 billion for reconstruction activities in Afghanistan.