I-Day speech: PM Modi wishes Afghanistan ahead of 100 years of independence

“We have a neighbour, Afghanistan, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its Independence in four days from now. From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I extend my hearty greetings to Afghanistan on this occasion,” he said.

Afghanistan got its independence on August 19, 1919, and the country has lined up mega celebrations in Kabul to commemorate the day.

Afghanistan’s Charge d’Affaires in India, Tahir Qadiry, at an interaction at the Foreign Correspondent Club of South Asia on August 5 had said a number of events are taking place to mark 100 years of the country’s independence and the grand event will be held on August 19 in the capital city of Kabul. “Celebrations will be held in Kabul and restored Darul Aman Palace will be inaugurated, among other programmes,” Qadiry said.

The country is presently working on meaningful dialogues with the Taliban, seeking to achieve lasting peace in the war-ravaged country.

India has been maintaining a policy of not engaging with the Taliban and has been pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the country.