“We are supposed to say, oh thank you for the library. Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan,” added Trump.
New Delhi| Adding to the list of blunders caused by his statements, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for building a library in Afghanistan. He further sought to question the use of the library by suggesting that it was of no use.
In his address to the press during first cabinet meeting of the year, he said that he indicated that he has a good working relationship with his Indian counterpart. However, he went on to criticise PM Modi saying that he constantly talks about the library built in Afghanistan that is funded by India.
“He (Modi) is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan. Library! That’s like five hours of what we spend (in Afghanistan),” Trump said. “And he (Modi) tells me. He is very smart. We are supposed to say, oh thank you for the library. Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan,” added Trump.
Answering a question Trump said he wants India to be involved in Afghanistan. “I think India should be involved in Afghanistan. I mean I’ll give you an example. You can talk about our generals. I gave our generals all of the money they wanted, they didn’t do such a great job in Afghanistan. They’ve been fighting in Afghanistan for 19 years,” Trump said.
His comments mocking India’s contribution to the peace initiative drew sharp criticism on social media.
Defence Analyst Major Gaurav Arya listed India’s contribution to the Afghanistan cause and tweeted, “India built hospitals, schools, libraries, roads, dams & a parliament in Afghanistan. Friendship has to mean more than Stinger Missiles & US Marines. Coming from @realDonaldTrump who has probably never seen the inside of a library, that’s rich.”
India built hospitals, schools, libraries, roads, dams & a parliament in Afghanistan. Friendship has to mean more than Stinger Missiles & US Marines. Coming from @realDonaldTrump who has probably never seen the inside of a library, that’s rich https://t.co/XMk471j01N
— Major Gaurav Arya (@majorgauravarya) January 3, 2019
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Patel, reacting to the incident said that Trump’s comments were “not in good taste & is completely unacceptable”.
Tenor & tone of the US President describing the Prime Minister of India is not in good taste & is completely unacceptable
Hope our Govt responds firmly & reminds America that since 2004,India has built extensive roads,dams in Afghanistan & pledged over $3 billion in assistance pic.twitter.com/wdil1hse6w
— Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) January 3, 2019
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