India's approach to the Taliban has evolved since their resurgence in Afghanistan. Despite maintaining a cautious stance, India has sent humanitarian aid and a technical team to ensure no anti-India terrorist groups operate from Afghan territory. India's future depends on regional dynamics and the Taliban's actions on inclusivity and security.
Copyright infringement not intended
Picture Courtesy: The Diplomat
India maintained a non-recognition stance towards the Taliban; however, their resurgence in Afghanistan has forced India to reconsider its approach.
India made its first official contact with the Taliban in August 2021, shortly after the last US military aircraft left Afghanistan.
India maintained a cautious stance, with the Indian Government highlighting the need for an “inclusive” government that would represent all ethnic groups and include women.
Following the Taliban's announcement of a Cabinet with minimal representation from minorities and no women, India voiced its concerns about the lack of inclusivity, stressing that the situation in Afghanistan was of direct concern to India as an immediate neighbor.
In December 2021, India sent 1.6 tonnes of essential medicines to Afghanistan.
A Technical team was stationed at the Indian Embassy in Kabul in mid-2022 to coordinate the delivery of aid. The team’s mission was to oversee operations related to humanitarian assistance, signaling a pragmatic approach despite the political challenges.
After the Taliban took over, India evacuated its embassy in Kabul. However, in June 2022, a small team was sent back to help manage humanitarian aid.
In December 2022, the Afghan embassy in New Delhi ceased operations, and by 2023, a few Afghan diplomats resumed some functions in India.
The challenge remained in formalizing diplomatic channels, as India did not officially recognize the Taliban government.
India had increased its engagement with the Taliban, by recognizing the need to prevent other countries, especially China, from gaining influence in Afghanistan, which could hurt India's investment made during the previous government.
However, India has remained focused on security concerns, ensuring that no anti-India groups operate from Afghan soil. India has continued to send humanitarian aid, support for Afghan refugees, and even discussed cricket ties as part of its evolving engagement.
India’s core concern remains security, it is focused on ensuring that no anti-India terrorist groups operate from Afghan territory.
India is particularly vigilant about the activities of groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which could pose a direct threat to Indian security.
India has been cautious but pragmatic in balancing its security concerns with the need to support humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan.
India recognizes that the regional and global dynamics around Afghanistan have shifted significantly since the Taliban’s return to power.
India is looking to strengthen its role in Afghanistan, ensuring it doesn’t lose the gains made over the past two decades.
India aims to help Afghanistan rebuild while maintaining a strong security posture to safeguard its interests.
India is likely to continue its cautious engagement with the Taliban, balancing its humanitarian and security concerns. While India has not yet formalized recognition of the Taliban government, it is clear that New Delhi is willing to engage on practical matters such as aid and infrastructure development. How India navigates these challenges in the coming years will depend on both regional dynamics and the Taliban’s actions on key issues like inclusivity and security.
Must Read Articles:
Source:
|
PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Evaluate the implications of the Taliban's return to power for India’s regional security dynamics in South Asia. 150 words |
© 2025 iasgyan. All right reserved