New Delhi, Oct. 31 -- India has committed to supporting Afghanistan in terms of the development of hydropower projects, a move that marks a new phase in bilateral engagement between the two countries.

The commitment, seen as both developmental and strategic, gains significance amid Afghanistan's plans to construct a dam on the Kunar river, which flows into Pakistan.

Responding to a question on India's possible involvement in the Kunar river project, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday, citing the recent joint statement between the foreign ministers of the two countries, indicated that India would be open to collaboration.

If pursued, the proposed dam on the Kunar river would control water flowing to Pakis...