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- Delegation on a visit to Afghanistan discussed India’s humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and use of Chabahar port (Iran) by Afghan traders.
- India – Afghan relations post-Taliban takeover (Aug 2021)
- Technical Mission in Kabul: Opened in June 2022, to facilitate and coordinate India’s humanitarian assistance endeavors.
- Education: India has continued Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship scheme for Afghan students.
- Trade & Commerce: Ongoing unhindered including through Chabahar port.
- Technical Mission in Kabul: Opened in June 2022, to facilitate and coordinate India’s humanitarian assistance endeavors.
- Challenges
- Ideological differences: Extremist religious ideology of Taliban is at odds with India’s democratic and secular values, which results in India’s recognition dilemma of current Afghan regime.
- Humanitarian concerns: Particularly women's rights and access to education and healthcare.
- Limited engagement: Recent closure of Afghan Embassy in Delhi, strained relations over denial of visas to Afghan students, etc.
- Regional geopolitics: Pakistan’s desire to acquire strategic depth in Afghan without controlling territories.
- Way Forward
- Diplomatic pragmatism: Engage Taliban both bilaterally and as part of regional grouping like SAARC, SCO, etc., to protect India’s security and strategic interests.
- People-to-People contact: India should continue to host Afghan students and capitalize on its strong goodwill among Afghan people.
Significance of Peace and Stability in Afghanistan for India
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