Nearly 70 per cent Afghans chose India as best friend: Survey

Sixty-nine per cent of Afghans have chosen India as Afghanistan's "best friend" country, according to a recent survey.

ET has leant that a survey was conducted in the recent past among the Afghans to gather an understanding of the local citizens assessment of their past, current scenario, and their future aspirations.

The survey showed that more than 67 percent of Afghans believe that the exit by the United States gave Pakistan and China the opportunity to encourage the Taliban to take over Kabul. And as many as 69 per cent Afghans chose India as their best friend.


As per survey 78 percent of people believe that the previous government in Kabul was corrupt and the aid provided by the foreign donors never reached the needy and 72 percent of people believe that the Taliban's takeover happened due to the corruption of local leaders.

The survey was conducted in the months of March, April and May. Most Afghans prefer elections to choose their leaders.

India has been the largest donor in Afghanistan among the countries in the region, extending about $3 billion, and it is Afghanistan’s fifth largest donor globally.

India's help has been diverse, ranging from building infrastructure to sending teams of medical staff and food. A spanking new Parliament building in Kabul is a gift from India. Afghans have been coming to India for medical treatment. Afghan students in large numbers have been enrolled in Indian colleges and universities. The Indian Military Academy (Dehradun) has been regularly accepting Afghan cadets. India has been among the more generous suppliers of humanitarian aid to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

In June India and the Taliban held their first formal meeting since the group took over reigns in Kabul last year. A team led by senior MEA official visited Kabul to oversee the delivery operations of India’s humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and in that connection, the Indian team met the senior members of the Taliban including their Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Taliban is extremely eager that India expands its presence and relaunch development projects.