India: Cabinet Likely to Approve Schemes for Afghanistan

NEW DELHI (NNN-Bernama) -- Indian Union Cabinet is likely to approve on Thursday India's small-scale aid projects under its Small Development Projects (SDP) in Afghanistan ahead of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's visit here next week, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

Sectors that will be involved in the projects including agriculture, rural development, education and health.

According to sources, the External Affairs Ministry-steered proposal on the third phase of the projects (SDP-III) is expected to be raised for discussion at a Cabinet meeting.

While 95 per cent 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 Nov 9-12, will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on regional security situation and safety of Indian nationals and Indian projects on Nov 12 here.

Having committed a US$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. --NNN- BERNAMA