India's Engagement with the Taliban

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's meeting with the Taliban's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi marks a significant diplomatic engagement for India with the Taliban regime, which took control in August 2021. This meeting, held in Dubai on January 8, suggests an elevation in the level of dialogue, despite the absence of formal recognition of the Taliban by India or the international community.

Geopolitical Context

• The meeting coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly between Afghanistan and Pakistan. India condemned Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, which allegedly targeted Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps but resulted in civilian casualties.
• The Durand Line, established in 1893, remains contentious. The Taliban rejects its legitimacy, aligning with TTP's ambitions to evict Pakistani forces from Pashtun tribal lands.
• Pakistan's historical strategy of using Afghanistan for "strategic depth" against India is now challenged by an assertive Taliban, which supports TTP's operations against Pakistan.

International Terrorism Dynamics

• Links between the Taliban, TTP, and al-Qaeda persist, with these groups opposing the Islamic State (Khorasan Province).
• Comparisons are drawn to Syria, where Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has gained control. There's speculation about potential rehabilitation of the Taliban akin to recent shifts towards HTS.

India's Diplomatic Strategy

India's decision to engage with the Taliban at a senior level is strategic, aligning with other countries like China and Russia, which quickly established contact with Taliban 2.0.

Humanitarian and Development Assistance

• India has offered material support focusing on health sector initiatives and refugee rehabilitation, amid Pakistan's expulsion of over 500,000 refugees.
• India has been providing essential supplies such as medicines, vaccines, surgical items, and educational materials to Afghanistan.
• The Union Budget for 2024-25 allocates Rs 200 crore in assistance for Afghanistan, highlighting India's commitment to humanitarian efforts.

Opportunities for Collaboration

• There is potential for India to collaborate with Iran, utilizing Chabahar Port to expand trade and humanitarian aid.
• Strengthening bilateral ties through cultural exchanges like cricket can engage Afghan youth, as seen with Afghan players in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Given the complex geopolitical landscape, India aims to bolster its humanitarian aid and potentially revive development projects in Afghanistan, aligning with its "Act West" policy and long-standing friendship with Afghanistan.