US appreciates India's generosity towards Afghanistan

WASHINGTON: Appreciating India's generosity, the US has welcomed USD one billion aid by New Delhi to help war-torn Afghanistan become a stronger country with a capacity to defend itself and provide security to its people.

"We obviously support India's generosity and focus on Afghanistan and willingness to help Afghanistan become a stronger, independent country that has the stronger economic growth, certainly, and also has the capacity to defend itself and provide security to its people," State Department Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters yesterday.

He was responding to a question on the pledge made by India this week to allocate USD one billion for Afghanistan's capability building in spheres such as education, health, agriculture, skill development, empowerment of women, energy, infrastructure and strengthening of democratic institutions.

"The fact that India is willing to invest in that future (of Afghanistan), we view it as a very positive sign and we appreciate India's effort," Toner said.

India has emerged as one of the largest donors of civilian aid to Afghanistan.