PM Narendra Modi's jibe at Pakistan: India rebuilding lives in Afghanistan, not destroying a nation

PM Modi was referring to India's efforts to rebuild the South Asian country that in the wake of the Afghan conflict of 2001.

PM Narendra Modi at Afghan Parliament

Kabul: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a swipe at Pakistan in his speech to the Afghan Parliament.

Addressing the MPs shortly after inaugurating the new Afghan Parliament building here built by India, PM Modi said that there were some who did not want India to be in Afghanistan.

He was referring to India's efforts to rebuild the South Asian country that in the wake of the Afghan conflict of 2001.

“There are some who did not want us to be here, some saw sinister designs,” PM Modi said, without naming Pakistan.

“There are others who were uneasy about the strength of our partnership,” he told Afghan MPs.

“But here we are, because you have faith in us,” the PM said in a reassuring tone.

“You know that India is here to lay the foundations of future, not light the flame of conflict; to rebuild lives, not destroy a nation,” he added.

Pakistan has on numerous occasions objected to India's growing presence in Afghanistan, arguing the same was not for civilian reasons but for gaining foothold in the South Asian country.

He also indirectly hit out at Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism in Afghanistan, which the latter's government has alleged several times.

“Afghanistan will succeed only when terrorism no longer flows across the border; when nurseries and sanctuaries of terrorism are shut,” Modi said.

“Terror and violence cannot be the instruments to shape Afghanistan’s future or dictate the choices Afghans make,” he added.

“I hope that Pakistan will become a bridge between South Asia and Afghanistan and beyond,” the PM hoped.