Help yourself then help others.!!!!!!!!!!

Good old joe
By Good old joe

India announces new aid package of $500 million for Afghanistan

KABUL: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday announced a fresh Indian aid package of 500 million US dollars for Afghanistan

"We have decided to make a fresh commitment valued at approximately 500 million US dollars over the next few years," he said at a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai here after their talks.

India already has a commitment of 1.5 billion US dollars in Afghanistan.

Of the new aid package, 100 million US dollars will be for the third phase of India's programme of small development projects, over and above the previous pledge of 20 million US dollars.

The package will also include donation of 1000 buses for Kabul and other municipalities with provision for maintenance support, training and infrastructure.

Should not the Indian leader be setting his own country in order first before trying to help the others like Afghanistan where they have very little to show for all the aid that has been given to them...next they might want to give another 500 million dollars to Pakistan

By Good old joe• 13 May 2011 15:51
Good old joe

... a lot of the ecconomy used to depend on agriculture until the pakistanis realized they could get more out of milking Uncle Sam by creating all this terrorist distractions in the neighbourhood every now and then which eventually has come to haunt them

By Mom_me• 13 May 2011 14:16
Mom_me

whyteknight, I thought you were an Indian (cannot open your profile). During and after partition the sentiments of Indians for Pakistan were different. Anyways, the aid is for afganistan. Not sure how Indians will react if Mr. Manmohan Singh decides to give aid to pakistan which I don't see happening from both the sides. Much depends upon circumstances. A lot of Pakistan economy is dependent on agriculture and over the past few years monsoon has not been kind.

For now Pakistan wants to woo Afganistan desperately and India's aid will be raising quite an eyebrow in Pak.

By anonymous• 13 May 2011 13:07
anonymous

India did give aid to Pakistan after partition on Mahatma Gandhi's insistence, one reason why Gandhi was assassinated.. I don't think any politician will think about helping out Pakistan with money after that...

By Mom_me• 13 May 2011 13:05
Mom_me

Many Indians settled in US have started returning back to India & are accomodated in various jobs. Call it reverse brain drain. Is Indian economy really depending upon the NRI income ? NRI are not investing money in making industries, infrastructure ....

I hav'nt read anywhere about the money being donated by USA. Why would any country prefer to give power to India over it's neighbours ? They would rather hope India is paralysized by constant threats from its neighbouring country.

By Good old joe• 13 May 2011 11:14
Good old joe

India should be actually wondering whether some of this European countries, be it the UK or others need the indians to bolster their ecconomies. At the moment it is the Asian brains in general that are doing their fair bit to move this countries forward.

By FathimaH• 13 May 2011 10:54
FathimaH

Charity begins at home and justice begins next door are moralistic values that should be instilled..now whoever said politicians are moralistic beings?Give and take is more like their mantras.Seriously, its sadly funny but all unsurprising in the wonderful world of politics!

By britexpat• 13 May 2011 10:27
britexpat

Countries give aid for various reasons.. For example, there is an argument in the UK as to whether we should give £280m ($457m) in annual aid to India for the next four years, since India is doing better than the UK :o)

By Good old joe• 13 May 2011 10:22
Good old joe

.. and what about the US$ 500 million kept dangling for Pakistan which in small letters says be good boy or you will not get your hands on it

By aboy_29• 13 May 2011 08:51
aboy_29

that's politics....

By anonymous• 13 May 2011 08:28
anonymous

May be it is provided to Afganistan by USA via India.Becoz strangely immediately after Osama's demise Manmohan Singh reached Kabul and announced the package.

By Mom_me• 13 May 2011 00:58
Mom_me

It is a political move for sure, my guess Kashmir problems. Mr. Manmohan Singh visited Kashmir sometime back which was followed by loads of brain storming on how the kashmiri youth can be constructively motivated. Thousands joined Indian army and more jobs were made available as tourism in Kashmir (main income source)is almost negligible.

May be this decision is a long term strategy to win afgani hearts and probably make job opportunities available for afgan youth. Most of the anti-indian infiltrations in Kashmir are believed to be trained in afganistan.

Just playing guess, not yet read the full report. The motive is quite clear though. Mr. Manmohan Singh is a wiz in finance and he knows the implication of such infiltrations on Indian economy have not been good. Frankly, he is helping India.

By Upfront• 12 May 2011 23:03
Upfront

500,000,000.00 USD = 22,409,999,847.41 INR as at today's rate of 1USD:Rs44.82

Jesus Christ!!! That's a lot for me. But then it's nothing for them.

With 1 million Indian workers here in Qatar with a salary of 750 QR monthly. Assuming they send all the 750QR back home, this equates to Rs.112,049,999,235( 1QR=Rs12.30 IND) sent in one year. In a year, India will receive more than what she gives. Now consider the other indian expats all around the world. Majority send money home.I can't compute the figures. They make me dizzy.

India has the money for all of her people and to give to other nations as well.

To answer your question. The answer is: YES, CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME. BUT POLITICS AND PERSONAL GAINS PREVAIL.

By ridaa• 12 May 2011 22:23
ridaa

strange really

why cant they develop india first and then go for developing others?

it is nothing but show off

keeping ur own people hungry and feeding others

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.