Archive · 31 Oct 2025
India Offers Support for Afghan Dam Project Amid Pakistan Concerns
Afghanistan wants to build a big dam on the Kunar river.
India has said it is ready to help with this project, as part of its support for Afghanistan's water and energy needs.
India has helped Afghanistan with dams before, like the Salma Dam.
However, Pakistan is worried because the Kunar river also flows through Pakistan.
They fear that the new dam could mean less water for them, especially after India recently put a pause on another water treaty with Pakistan.
Pakistan also has other issues with Afghanistan, including concerns about border security.
India is emphasizing its support for Afghanistan's independence and right to manage its resources.
India has declared its readiness to support Afghanistan's initiative to construct a dam on the Kunar river.
Afghanistan's Taliban leader has instructed the energy and water ministry to expedite the dam's construction.
The Kunar river flows through both Afghanistan and Pakistan, raising concerns in Pakistan about potential water flow reduction.
India cited its commitment to Afghanistan's sustainable water management and a history of cooperation, exemplified by the Salma Dam.
Pakistan has expressed anger over Afghanistan asserting its sovereignty and views the dam project with apprehension, especially after the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
- Who
- India, Afghanistan (Taliban regime), Pakistan
- What
- India has expressed support for Afghanistan's proposed Kunar river dam project, drawing criticism and concern from Pakistan due to potential impacts on water flow and regional sovereignty.
- When
- India's statement was made on Thursday. The Afghan directive for the dam was issued recently. A joint statement was issued during the Afghan foreign minister's visit last month.
- Where
- Afghanistan (Kunar river province), Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chitral)
- Why
- India supports Afghanistan's water management efforts and hydroelectric projects, continuing a history of cooperation. Pakistan is concerned about the dam's potential impact on water flow and its broader regional disputes with Afghanistan.
India & Afghanistan
Pakistan
Kunar River Dam Project
India & Afghanistan
India is ready to support Afghanistan's efforts in sustainable water management, including hydroelectric projects like the proposed Kunar river dam, citing a history of cooperation and Afghanistan's energy needs.
Pakistan
Pakistan is concerned about the potential impact of the Kunar river dam on its water flow in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and views Afghanistan's independent action with apprehension, especially given the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Afghanistan's Sovereignty and Regional Security
India & Afghanistan
India fully supports Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, and its right to manage its own resources.
Pakistan
Pakistan is angered by Afghanistan exercising sovereignty in ways that affect Pakistan and has broader concerns regarding regional security and alleged support for militant groups.
- India's Stance on Kunar Dam
- Ready to support Afghanistan's sustainable water management, including hydroelectric projects.
- Afghan Government Directive
- Taliban leader instructed to begin dam work on Kunar river as soon as possible, using domestic firms.
- Kunar River Significance
- Originates in Pakistan (as Chitral River), flows through Afghanistan, rejoins Pakistan; potential threat to water flow in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- India-Afghanistan Water Cooperation History
- Highlighted by the Salma Dam, known as the India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam, and the planned Shahtoot Dam.
- India's Position on Afghanistan
- Fully committed to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
- Pakistan's Concerns
- Potential reduction in water flow downstream, compounding issues after the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
