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India Strengthens Engagement with Taliban-Led Afghanistan

3 minutes read

India Strengthens Engagement with Taliban-Led Afghanistan

3 minutes read

India’s diplomatic outreach to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan took a significant leap during a high-level meeting in Dubai between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. This marks India’s most substantial engagement with the Taliban since their return to power in 2021. The discussions emphasized development projects, humanitarian aid, and security cooperation, underscoring India’s commitment to addressing Afghanistan’s urgent needs.

India pledged to expand its ongoing humanitarian assistance program by including developmental initiatives aimed at improving Afghanistan’s infrastructure and healthcare system. The Afghan side expressed gratitude for India’s sustained support and its readiness to assist further, particularly in areas like refugee rehabilitation. Additionally, both nations discussed enhancing sports cooperation, focusing on cricket, which resonates with Afghanistan’s youth.

One of the central elements of the meeting was the strategic use of Iran’s Chabahar port for trade and humanitarian purposes. Operated by an Indian state-run firm, the port is a vital link in India’s regional connectivity plans. Both sides agreed to promote it as a hub for trade, facilitating economic recovery in Afghanistan while advancing India’s interests in the region.

Afghanistan assured India of its commitment to addressing New Delhi’s security concerns, including preventing Afghan territory from being used by anti-India elements. The Taliban acknowledged India’s sensitivity regarding groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and reiterated their intent to pursue balanced and economy-oriented foreign policies.

This meeting comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, particularly between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan territories targeting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants have escalated cross-border hostilities. These strikes, which reportedly killed civilians, drew strong condemnation from India. New Delhi criticized Pakistan’s actions, accusing it of using such attacks to deflect from its internal challenges.

The Taliban’s retaliatory fire on Pakistani positions further exacerbated the situation, marking a sharp escalation in bilateral tensions. India, while not directly involved in these hostilities, has positioned itself as a partner for peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan. The Dubai meeting reaffirmed New Delhi’s stance, focusing on humanitarian and developmental support while aligning with Afghanistan’s economic aspirations.

The meeting also signals a shift in India’s approach to dealing with the Taliban. Earlier engagements were primarily at the joint-secretary level, but the involvement of the foreign secretary signifies an elevation in diplomatic ties. This development aligns with India’s long-term strategic interests in Afghanistan, particularly in countering Chinese and Pakistani influence in the region.

Despite the lack of formal recognition of the Taliban government, India has maintained a technical presence in its embassy in Kabul since mid-2022. This cautious yet pragmatic approach reflects India’s focus on safeguarding its geopolitical and economic interests while contributing to Afghanistan’s recovery.

India’s outreach also extends to the Afghan public, as seen in its emphasis on grassroots development and sports cooperation. Cricket, a sport that has gained immense popularity in Afghanistan, serves as a bridge between the two nations, fostering goodwill and cultural ties.

The Taliban, for their part, expressed a desire for stronger political and economic relations with India. They highlighted their fight against corruption and drugs, which Misri praised during the discussions. These steps align with the Taliban’s efforts to gain international legitimacy, even as formal recognition remains elusive.

In conclusion, the Dubai meeting marks a significant milestone in India-Afghanistan relations. By committing to developmental projects, enhancing humanitarian aid, and addressing security concerns, India has demonstrated its readiness to engage constructively with the Taliban. This approach not only supports Afghanistan’s recovery but also strengthens India’s strategic foothold in a region marked by complex geopolitical dynamics. The collaboration underscores India’s vision of regional stability, economic growth, and security, reaffirming its role as a key partner in Afghanistan’s journey toward stability and prosperity.

 

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