Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone for the Indian Chancery Complex in Kabul.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Manmohan Singh said the new chancery was a symbol of improving Indo-Afghan relations.
“There is consensus across the Afghanistan political spectrum that Indo-Afghan ties should be restored to the old footing and that India is a role model for Afghanistan.
This event today is a symbol of our belief that Afghanistan will emerge as a stable, democratic and prosperous country and that India is an important partner in helping to bring about this historic transformation of Afghanistan,” he said.
Dr Manmohan Singh also said the Indian Chancery Complex will continue to play an important role in the cultural map of the city and “once again provide a meeting place to promote friendship between the people of our two countries.” After remaining closed for five years and three months, the Indian Embassy, a stone’s throw from the powerful Interior Ministry, was opened in December, 2001 to formally establish diplomatic ties with the new interim regime. It was closed on September 26, 1996, by the then Charge-de-Affairs Azad Singh Toor, barely 12 hours before the Taliban entered the capital.
Traditional Afghan hospitality: Chefs at the Kabul Presidential Palace pulled out all stops at the banquet on Sunday evening, hosted by President Hamid Karzai in honour of Prime Minister Mr Manmohan Singh.
An eight course lavish spread was laid out for the visiting Prime Minister, who is a frugal eater and not really much of a gourmand. There were various forms of kebabs and a variety of chicken dishes, besides curries and sauces that were distinctly Afghan in appearance and taste.
There was rice and naan served as accompaniment. phirni a pudding made of milk and rice paste and ice-cream was offered as dessert. Fruits, which form an essential part of every Afghan meal, were also on offer. Melons, grapes and apricots were greatly appreciated by the Indians. Afghanistan’s Minister for Culture and Information, Dr Rahim, said never before had he seen such a lavish banquet dinner being laid out for any state guest.
Afghans are very sensitive to their culinary tastes and like Indians are very proud of their epicurean traditions. At the banquet, many Afghan politicians could be seen talking about the similarities and differences of Afghan and Indian food.
In fact, so liked are the Indians here, that many Pakistanis often call themselves Indians rather than reveal their nationality.
— ANI
