Modi arrives in Kabul from Moscow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the new building of Afghan Parliament built by India in Kabul. The Prime Minister will inaugurate Afghanistan’s Parliament building, which has been built by India. “PM @narendramodi’s engagements begin with tete-a-tete with President @ashrafghani”, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup earlier tweeted along with pictures of the two leaders. One of the wings of the building has been named “Atal Block”, after former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is celebrating his 91st birthday on Friday.

The talks will focus on key bilateral issues, including security co-operation and discuss the ways to help war-torn country where India has committed over United States dollars 2 billion assistance.

The PM’s day-long visit, his first to Afghanistan, since taking office – was not officially announced for security reasons, says NDTV, with several specific threats against Indian targets being received and some being foiled. While its House of People, called Wolesi Jirga, can seat 256 members, the Upper House or Meshrano Jirga can accommodate 134 representatives. The development came after the recent visit of Afghan National Security Adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar to New Delhi. However, with the American forces pulling out that country to a large extent, the Afghan forces will be using the Mi 25 now.

Modi was welcomed with a warm hug by President Ghani at the Presidential Palace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday wrapped up his two-day visit to Russian Federation, during which the two countries signed 16 pacts to expand cooperation in various sectors, including nuclear and defence.