Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Why library for Afghanistan, Trump asks Modi' that was published in Newsband

Why library for Afghanistan, Trump asks Modi

U.S. President Donald Trump mocked PM Modi for funding a library in Afghanistan, suggesting it was of no use. In addition, he defended his push for the United States to invest less overseas.

India has committed $3 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since US-led forces toppled the extremist Taliban regime after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Projects have included the reconstruction of an elite high school in Kabul and scholarships to India for 1,000 Afghan students each year. In 2015, Modi promised to promote programs "empowering Afghan youth with modern education and professional skills."

India has been one of the most enthusiastic countries over the US mission in Afghanistan, where the former Taliban regime sheltered fiercely anti-Indian militants. But India's role has alarmed its arch-rival Pakistan, whose intelligence service's continued ties to extremists in Afghanistan has been seen by analysts in part as a way to counter New Delhi.

Trump last month moved to pull all 2,000 US troops out of Syria and cut by half the 14,000-strong force in Afghanistan, calling for less spending overseas. He also said that Russia used to be the Soviet Union but Afghanistan made it Russia because they went bankrupt fighting in Afghanistan.

Some Indians feel that India should invest in itself first before helping war ravaged countries like Afghanistan because if the Taliban return to power, they will destroy all of India's investment there.

As far as ‘library’ issue is concerned, Trump is probably not used to spending time in libraries. In making such statements he is not only mocking Modi but the Afghan people as well. Modi was cuddling up to the American President with remarks which imply how charitably disposed he is towards the Afghan people. Trump is a builder by profession. Libraries and books may be too subtle a gift for his sensibilities.

Building a library should not be an issue. The more you read the more you learn and the more you learn the more you contribute to mankind. A reader lives a thousand lives.

Afghanistan is a key strategic partner. India irrespective of whose party is in government should extend full support to this country to build a strong and lasting relationship. At the same time India should also be careful enough that the funds are properly utilized by the government of Afghanistan.

Trump is essentially a businessman. He might have thought of giving weapons to Afghans which he must be finding more beneficial than giving books.