Donald Trump Takes Swipe at PM Narendra Modi For Funding Library in Afghanistan, Says 'Don't Know Who's Using It'
Donald Trump raked up the issue while defending his push for the United States to cut overseas spending.
Washington/New Delhi, January 3: In an apparent dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the library built in Afghanistan by India's fund was of no use. Donald Trump raked up the issue while defending his push for the United States to cut overseas spending. Trump also maintained that he got along with PM Narendra Modi.
Trump claimed PM Modi was "constantly telling me he built a library in Afghanistan." "You know what that is? That's like five hours of what we spend," he said. "And we're supposed to say, 'Oh, thank you for the library.' I don't know who's using it in Afghanistan," the US President added. It was unclear to which project Trump was referring. Narendra Modi Wanted to Have Dinner With Donald Trump at Camp David, But The US Denied, Claims Book.
While the Trump administration last month ordered the withdrawal of around 7,000 troops from Afghanistan, calling for less spending overseas, India has committed $3 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since US-led forces overthrew the Taliban regime after the September 11, 2001 attacks, as reported by AFP. PM Narendra Modi World’s Most Followed Leader on Instagram, Beats Donald Trump, Pope Francis.
India has been contributing heavily for Afghanistan nation-building effort. PM Modi in 2015 had inaugurated the Afghan Parliament House in Kabul, which is the largest structure in Afghanistan. Apart from the Parliament Block, which is the main building, the house consists of dining halls, library and a mosque that could house 400 prayers.
The Afghan authorities have been requesting the US to not take such a step as it would hamper its operations against the Taliban and ISIS-like elements. Against the backdrop of the US' decision to cut down its army presence in Afghanistan, Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib is expected to visit India later this week to discuss security ties between New Delhi and Kabul. (With agency inputs)
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 03, 2019 08:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).