India's Strategic Relations with Afghanistan

India's relationship with Afghanistan maintains a strategic character, marked by recent high-level engagements such as the meeting between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai. Despite the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, which was initially seen as a setback for India, the ties have been strengthening.

India's Engagement with the Taliban

• The Taliban's return was viewed as a gain for Pakistan, yet the group has shown eagerness to improve relations with India.
• India has cautiously elevated its interactions with the Taliban, now extending to the level of foreign secretary.
• India is responding to Kabul's requests for humanitarian assistance and developmental cooperation, highlighting an enduring geopolitical reality.

Historical and Geopolitical Context

• There is a historical warmth between India and Afghanistan, unaffected by changes in the regime.
• Factors contributing to this warmth include the absence of bilateral disputes and shared cross-border issues with Pakistan.
• Afghanistan has often looked to India to counterbalance pressures from Pakistan, given the latter's interference in Afghan affairs.

Challenges for India

• Domestic Orientation of the Taliban:
  • The regime's repression and denial of basic rights to women are significant concerns for India.
  • While India lacks the power to change Afghanistan’s internal politics, it aims to encourage political and social moderation.
• Abandonment of Previous Allies:
  • India's refusal to grant visas to Afghans who supported it over decades marks a problematic shift.
  • While forming new alliances in Kabul is strategic, neglecting long-term partners is unwise.

Strategic Partnerships

The location of the meeting, Dubai, signifies India's potential cooperation with the UAE and other moderate Arab states to foster positive changes in Afghanistan.

India's Engagement with the Taliban

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's meeting with the Taliban's acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai marks a significant elevation in dialogue between India and the Taliban regime in Kabul. Despite not formally recognizing the Taliban, India has maintained functional channels of communication since the regime's rise in August 2021.

Geopolitical Context

• India condemned Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, which resulted in civilian casualties, and opposed Pakistan's rationale of targeting Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps.
• The Taliban's refusal to acknowledge the Durand Line, a colonial demarcation, and support for TTP's pan-Pashtun ambitions challenge Pakistan's strategic depth aspirations.
• Pakistan faces threats from an estimated 6,000-6,500 TTP fighters supported by the Taliban, highlighting Pakistan's own historical support for such groups.

Regional and International Dynamics

• Links between the Taliban, TTP, and al-Qaeda remain strong, as they collaborate against the Islamic State Khorasan Province.
• Syria's situation with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) raises questions about possible rehabilitation of the Taliban regime.
• International players like China, Russia, and Pakistan have engaged with Taliban 2.0, while India continues cautious engagement.

India's Strategic Opportunities

• India has reinstated a presence in Kabul by dispatching a technical team in 2022, after initially recalling all personnel.
• The Taliban seeks international recognition, which the UN Credentials Committee has consistently denied.
• India can leverage its expertise in cricket to engage Afghan youth and strengthen bilateral relations.

Humanitarian Assistance and Cooperation

• Post the Misri-Muttaqi meeting, India pledged material support for Afghanistan's health sector and refugee rehabilitation.
• India has provided essential medicines, vaccines, and other supplies, allocating Rs 200 crore for Afghanistan in the 2024-25 budget.
• India's collaboration with Iran via Chabahar Port could enhance support for Afghan refugees and address humanitarian needs.

Conclusion

India's engagement with the Taliban, amidst a complex geopolitical landscape, reflects a pragmatic approach to securing regional interests and humanitarian obligations. Strengthening ties with Afghanistan can further India's "Act West" policy, recognizing the Taliban's enduring presence.

India's Support for Afghan Refugees

India is planning to assist Afghanistan by setting up projects in the health and education sectors to aid refugees fleeing Pakistan.

Context

• Pakistan has been expelling Afghan refugees, creating tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.
• India's decision to support Afghanistan follows a meeting between Foreign Secretary and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister in Dubai.
• Nearly a million refugees have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran since late 2023.

India-Afghanistan Relationship

• India has a historical relationship with Afghanistan, which was emphasized during the recent talks.
• The meeting signaled a potential shift from a purely humanitarian approach to more strategic cooperation.

Areas of Cooperation

• Sports Collaboration: Strengthening cooperation in cricket was discussed.
• Trade and Commerce: Promotion of Chabahar port use for trade and commercial activities was agreed upon.

Regional Developments and Security Concerns

• India condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghanistan.
• The Afghan side acknowledged India's security concerns and thanked India for its continued support.