Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and Its Neighborhood, Issue: India-Afghanistan Relations.
Context:
India pursues a pragmatic engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban regime without formal recognition, balancing diplomatic, security, and humanitarian goals.
Key Takeaways:
The Nature of India’s Engagement:
- India has reopened its Embassy in Kabul, operational since June 2022 as a “technical mission” for aid coordination.
- However, India still refrains from formally recognizing the Taliban-led “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.”
Historical Context of India–Afghanistan Relations:
- Civilisational Linkages: India and Afghanistan share deep cultural, linguistic, and trade ties dating back to the Silk Route and shared Buddhist heritage.
- Eg: The Kabul–Gandhara–Taxila corridor was a conduit for Indo-Greek and Buddhist exchanges.
- Diplomatic Support: Post-1947, Afghanistan was the only country to oppose Pakistan’s UN membership, highlighting early political affinity with India.
- Current Relevance: Despite non-recognition of the Taliban regime, India has adopted a de facto engagement policy through humanitarian channels and regional dialogues (e.g., Moscow Format, Heart of Asia).
- India has previously used this model with: Taiwan (through the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Centre, not an embassy)
- Myanmar (where India interacts with the junta without recognizing its legitimacy).
India’s Strategic Calculations:
Security and Counterterrorism Concerns:
- Taliban has repeatedly assured India that Afghanistan won’t become a base for anti-India terror groups.
- Muttaqi even condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in 2025 signaling a willingness to cooperate on security issues.
Economic and Development Opportunities:
- Afghanistan is seeking foreign investment and economic partnerships.
- Muttaqi invited Indian firms to invest in: The mining sector
- Connectivity projects like TAPI gas pipeline and Chabahar Port.
- India’s humanitarian aid and infrastructure experience make it a key potential partner.
India’s “engagement without recognition” policy shows strategic balance and diplomatic maturity, allowing it to stay relevant in Afghanistan while upholding its commitment to legitimacy and democratic values.
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