Cabinet likely to approve schemes for Afghanistan

NEW DELHI: Ahead of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's visit here next week, India's aid in small-scale projects in sectors like agriculture, rural development, education and health under its Small Development Projects phase in Afghanistan is likely to come up be approved by the Union Cabinet tomorrow.

According to sources, the External Affairs Ministry- steered proposal on the third phase of Small Development Projects SDP-III in Afghanistan is expected to come up for discussion at a Cabinet meeting.

While 95 percent of the SDPs are in response to requests from provincial or local authorities, India has also extended support to some interesting NGO-supported schemes.

Karzai, who will be in India from November 9-12, will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on regional security situation and safety of Indian nationals and Indian projects on November 12 here.

Having committed a USD 2.3 billion aid programme, India is one of the largest donors to Afghanistan, investing in the economy, humanitarian aid, education, development, construction and electrical projects.