Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met an Afghan Sikh-Hindu delegation at his residence, members of a minority community who have been facing persecution in Afghanistan after the Taliban took over the country in mid-August last year. The Modi government had passed legislation that would open the path to citizenship to "persecuted" non-Muslim minorities like Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Christians in India's immediate neighbourhood.

This came after Modi - with an eye on this month's state elections in Punjab February 20 - hosted a delegation of eminent personalities and spiritual leaders from the Sikh community at his official residence on Friday.

In a tweet, Modi said, "Met with eminent personalities of Sant Samaj and Sikh community. These were all the Patwanis who spread the Sikh community and culture all over the country and the world and served humanity."

India has contributed significantly in recent years to the development of Afghanistan. India has supplied three tonnes of medicines to Afghanistan as part of its fourth batch of medical assistance under humanitarian aid to the war-torn country.

Indian development projects have been undertaken in critical areas like water, road, healthcare, education, agriculture and capacity building. India's emphasis has been on the welfare, and the well being of the people of Afghanistan, PTI news agency said. 

(SAM)