India's Engagement with Taliban-led Afghanistan
Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, India adopted a cautious approach. Initial steps involved withdrawing its ambassador and diplomatic staff and suspending direct engagement. Recognizing that a strict no-talk policy was impractical, India began gradually reopening channels of communication with the Taliban regime.
Key Developments in India's Approach
- India reopened its embassy in Kabul in June 2024.
- A public meeting in January 2024 took place between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai.
- Since August 2021, India has been consistently delivering humanitarian aid, including wheat, pesticides, and medical supplies.
- The Union Budget for 2024-25 allocated Rs 100 crore for assistance to Afghanistan.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
The first-ever ministerial-level conversation occurred between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking an important step in bilateral relations. This dialogue followed the India-Pakistan ceasefire after the Pahalgam terror attack, condemned by the Taliban regime.
Historical and Geopolitical Context
- Historically, India and Afghanistan have enjoyed warm ties, except during Taliban 1.0 (1996-2001).
- Relations between the Taliban and Pakistan are deteriorating due to issues like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan.
- Jaishankar appreciated Muttaqi’s rejection of Pakistan’s attempts to sow distrust between India and Afghanistan.
Strategic Considerations
India faces the challenge of engaging with the Taliban while maintaining its moral stance on human rights. Despite its autocratic nature, the Taliban's regime is a reality that India must navigate to prevent Afghanistan from harboring anti-India terror groups.
- China's growing influence in Afghanistan is a concern, highlighted by significant agreements like a $540-million oil deal.
- India must consider the geopolitical dynamics of South Asia, particularly the China-Pakistan-Bangladesh axis.