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).
key India Supported Infrastructure Projects in Afghanistan
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