"Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies." — John F. Kennedy
India-Afghanistan Relations
👉 Background: India and Afghanistan have historically shared a close and friendly relationship, formalized through the Friendship Treaty (1950).
👉 Return of Taliban: India has not officially recognized the Taliban government but continues engagement through various diplomatic and humanitarian channels.
➡️ Deployment of a Technical Team in the Indian Embassy (2022): To oversee humanitarian assistance and maintain engagement with the Afghan people.
➡️ Official Joint Secretary Meeting (Nov 2024): Marked the first official meeting between an Indian diplomat and the Taliban’s defense leadership, focusing on security, trade, and humanitarian aid.
➡️ Security Concerns: India has raised concerns over terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed operating from Afghan soil, urging the Taliban to take action.
Importance of Afghanistan for India
👉 Strategic Location: Afghanistan is at the ‘Heart of Asia,’ historically serving as a trade and cultural bridge between South and Central Asia. It is also key to India's connectivity initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
👉 Security and Counter-Terrorism: Afghanistan has been used as a safe haven for terror groups. Constructive engagement ensures a strategic check on extremist activities that could threaten India.
👉 Access to Central Asia: Afghanistan is a gateway to energy-rich Central Asia, making its stability crucial for India's energy security and trade routes, especially amid geopolitical shifts.
👉 Soft Power Diplomacy: India's humanitarian and developmental projects enhance its influence in Afghanistan.
➡️ India has committed over $3 billion in aid, with key projects like:
- Afghan-India Friendship Dam (formerly Salma Dam)
- Zaranj-Delaram Highway
- Restoration of Stor Palace
- Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health
- Capacity-building programs for Afghan officials and students
👉 China’s Expanding Role:
- China is strengthening its influence in Afghanistan through economic investments and the potential extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
- Beijing has signed agreements with the Taliban on mining and infrastructure projects, signaling increased economic cooperation.
Challenges and Way Forward
👉 Recognition Dilemma: India must balance engagement with the Taliban while upholding democratic and human rights concerns.
👉 Security Risks: The presence of terror outfits like ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province) poses a direct threat to regional stability. India seeks stronger counter-terrorism assurances from the Taliban.
👉 Economic and Trade Prospects:
- Expansion of trade through Chabahar Port could reduce India's reliance on Pakistan for connectivity with Afghanistan.
- Increasing bilateral trade via Iran and Central Asian routes could enhance economic ties.
👉 Balancing Regional Interests: India's engagement with Afghanistan must counteract China's growing influence while maintaining stability in South Asia.
Conclusion
India’s policy towards Afghanistan remains centered on humanitarian aid, security cooperation, and regional connectivity. While diplomatic challenges persist, India’s long-standing goodwill, infrastructure projects, and strategic interests ensure its continued involvement in Afghanistan’s future.
