India Backs Afghan Dam Plan on Kunar River
Why in the news
With Afghanistan–Pakistan ties strained, India endorsed Kabul’s dam proposal as a matter of sovereignty and sustainable water use.
Key facts
- Dam purpose: irrigation, hydropower, drinking water in eastern Afghanistan.
- Effect: less Afghan dependence on flows towards Pakistan.
- India’s help: technical and developmental support, in line with earlier infrastructure and energy cooperation.
Significance
- Hydro-diplomacy with Kabul.
- Strategic leverage against Pakistan’s influence.
- Energy, food and economic resilience for Afghanistan.
Exam angle
- Related river: Kabul.
- Kabul asserts a sovereign right to its water.