Syllabus :GS2/IR
In Context
- The meeting took place in Dubai, marking the highest-level engagement between India and the Taliban since the latter’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
- India has not formally recognized the Taliban administration but it maintains a small mission in Kabul for trade, aid, and medical support, alongside ongoing humanitarian assistance.
Key Outcomes of recent meeting
- India discussed ongoing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including support for Afghan refugees and earthquake relief.
- India has already provided wheat, medicine, pesticides, vaccines, clothing, and other materials.
- Additional aid will be directed towards Afghanistan’s health sector and refugee rehabilitation.
- The Taliban aims to strengthen political and economic ties with India, aligning with its balanced, economy-focused foreign policy.
- The use of Iran’s Chabahar port for accessing Afghanistan and promoting trade was also discussed.
- They focused on Strengthening cricketing ties, as India has assisted Afghan cricketers, including training in Noida.
- India raised concerns about anti-India terror groups operating from Afghanistan.
Factors Driving India’s Engagement with Taliban
- Geopolitical Considerations: The evolving geopolitical landscape in the region, including the growing influence of China, has also influenced India’s approach to Afghanistan. Engaging with the Taliban is seen as a way to maintain its strategic interests in the region.
- Counter Terrorism: India is concerned about the possibility of terrorist groups, particularly those with a focus on targeting India, using Afghanistan as a base for their operations. Engaging with the Taliban is seen as a way to address these security concerns.
- Counteracting Pakistan’s Influence: Pakistan has historically wielded considerable influence in Afghanistan, often seen as detrimental to India’s interests. Engaging with the Taliban allows India to maintain a presence and potentially counterbalance Pakistan’s influence.
- Protecting Indian Investments: India has invested heavily in infrastructure projects in Afghanistan. Maintaining these investments and ensuring their security is a key consideration for India.
- The Taliban has assured India of security guarantees for its facilities.
| Approach of Other Countries – Russia has begun engaging with the Taliban, primarily to counter the threat of regional terrorism. This includes addressing concerns over the spread of extremist groups like ISIS-K, which could destabilize Central Asia and threaten Russian interests. – China has increased its influence in Afghanistan, eyeing natural resources and supporting Taliban-led development projects. – Iran, once critical of the Taliban, is now preoccupied with other regional concerns and has become more neutral towards the regime. – Pakistan’s once-close relationship with the Taliban has deteriorated, particularly after Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. This has created friction, with the Taliban condemning these actions and India joining in criticism of Pakistan’s military operations in Afghan territory. |
Issues and Concerns
- The official statement did not address concerns regarding the protection of
- women’s rights,
- minority rights, or their inclusion in the Taliban government.
- Pakistan’s Reaction: The meeting could provoke Pakistan, given its historical tensions with India and strained relations with Afghanistan.
- Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups responsible for attacks in Pakistan, a charge the Taliban denies.
Future Outlook
- India’s future relations with the Taliban will focus on balancing security concerns with involvement in Afghanistan’s reconstruction, especially in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- Both sides agreed to maintain regular contact at various levels, keeping the door open for future political-level engagement.
Source :TH
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