There is no doubt that in foreign policy, the 'Neighborhood First' policy holds paramount importance. Relationships with neighboring countries are vital for any nation in numerous ways. The neighborhood discourse is significant as a new chapter in India-Taliban relations begins to unfold. Recently, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Mistry met with Taliban's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai. This meeting has sparked various debates. It is crucial to comprehend why India is extending a hand of friendship towards the Taliban. What are the implications of this relationship? What are its advantages? What are its disadvantages? How significant is this setback for Pakistan and other countries?
Revived Efforts After Nearly 4 Years
The relationship between India and Afghanistan has always been complex. Whenever the Taliban's domination has been evident in Afghanistan, India has maintained a distance. This was evident after the Taliban's takeover in 2021, and likewise in the 90s when the Taliban captured Kabul. However, now that the Taliban has firmly established itself in the country, its relations with various nations are improving. India is now being added to this list.
Why India is Offering Friendship
According to experts, the high-level dialogue between India and the Taliban government indicates that India is reevaluating the changing political landscape of the region. Before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, India had invested heavily in key projects over two decades, including military training, scholarships, and the construction of a new parliamentary building in Afghanistan. However, these initiatives quickly receded following the Taliban's arrival.
The Taliban's control was seen as a setback for India, perceived as a staunch ally of Pakistan, posing strategic and security threats. However, a lot has changed over the past three years, paving the way for a new narrative of friendship.
Source: aajtak
India's Major Investment in Afghanistan
Reports suggest that before the Taliban's takeover, India invested over 3 billion dollars in more than 500 projects in Afghanistan. This included roads, power, dams, hospitals, and clinics. India also trained numerous Afghan officials, provided scholarships to thousands of students, and built a new Parliament building.
The Significance of India's Friendship to the Taliban
Friendship with India is crucial for the Taliban in many ways. Despite controlling the entire country, international recognition eludes the Taliban. Although it maintains economic relations with many countries, granting formal recognition remains contentious. Hence, relations with India symbolize a semblance of acknowledgment, marking a diplomatic triumph for the Taliban.
India's role becomes more significant when relations between the Taliban and neighboring Pakistan are faltering. This potential alliance could benefit both India and Afghanistan.
Economic Implications
The Taliban has expressed its interest in strengthening political and economic ties with India, recognizing it as a vital regional and economic power. The main agenda of the talks was reportedly to enhance trade and utilize Iran's Chabahar Port, which is crucial to India's strategic and diplomatic interests.
Source: aajtak
Statements from the Foreign Minister
In 2023, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stated in the Indian Parliament that India shares historical and cultural ties with Afghanistan. According to the Indian Express, there is a natural warmth between Delhi and Kabul, with the Afghan people harboring significant sympathy towards India.
Read Also:
Pakistan is Also a Major Factor
Recently, Pakistan and the Taliban's relations have soured. Hostilities between the two continue unabated. Pakistan recently conducted aerial strikes in various Taliban-held areas. This growing proximity has other reasons, too. According to a BBC report, India aims to strengthen connections and access Central Asia. However, no direct route to Central Asia exists for India.
To reach Central Asia, India requires transit rights through Pakistan, which Pakistan doesn't provide. Experts believe that the Taliban can play a crucial role in achieving this objective.
Bangladesh as a Factor
The removal of Sheikh Hasina from power has strained India-Bangladesh relations severely, exposing Bangladesh's growing inclination towards Pakistan. To counter this proximity, it's crucial for India to strengthen ties with Afghanistan and fortify this front.
Are There Any Drawbacks to This Friendship...
Indeed, the Taliban is infamous for its cruelty and the erosion of human rights. Friendship with the Taliban might tarnish India's reputation. Be it atrocities against women or numerous restrictions, opposing the Taliban is not straightforward for India. But it would not be incorrect to state that the benefits of aligning closely with the Taliban outweigh the disadvantages for India.
