The visit by India’s official to Afghanistan underscores India’s growing diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. 

India’s Engagement with Afghanistan in Post-Taliban Period  

• India didn't officially recognize the Taliban government. 
• However, since 2022, India has adopted a more pragmatic approach of limited engagement to protect its interests in Afghanistan and the broader region. 
• India is engaging with Afghanistan in different ways such as 
  • A technical team is positioned in the Embassy and is active in respect of humanitarian assistance and other situations.
  • Since 2021, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has granted admissions to more than 3000 students (As of Dec, 2023).
  • India participated in ‘Afghanistan Regional Cooperation Initiative’ meeting in Kabul in 2024. 

Why India’s Engagement with Afghanistan is important? 

• Geopolitical Interests: India seeks to maintain influence in Afghanistan to counterbalance Pakistan's role & secure its strategic interests (E.g. access to central Asia).
• Regional Stability: India is concerned about the potential for instability in Afghanistan spilling over into the region.
  • In 2021, over 80% of world's opium originated from Afghanistan, earning can used for financing terrorist activities.
• Secure Investments: India has invested heavily in infrastructure projects (refer to box).