The recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took place in the Oval Office last month. This meeting drew global attention. And it resonated most deeply with Afghans living worldwide. The parallels between the U.S. handling of Ukraine and its withdrawal from Afghanistan under Mr. Trump and later Joe Biden are evident. The abrupt pullout of US, funding cuts by it and the subsequent Taliban takeover have left Afghanistan in turmoil. This mirrors past U.S. foreign policy decisions that disregarded long-term stability.
The term 'Great Abandonment' is used for the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops from Afghanistan in 2021, after occupying Afghanistan for nearly two decades. This caused the Afghan government to collapse and the Taliban to become reinstated in power. The term 'Great Abandonment' emphasizes the fact that the Afghan government and people were left exposed to the sudden and swift occupation by the Taliban, thereby creating a humanitarian and political emergency.
Abrupt withdrawal of U.S. troops, which undermined Afghan security forces.
Collapse of the government as the Taliban took over in a few weeks.
Anarchy at the airport in Kabul, with Afghans trying desperately to escape the country.
Reduced international support, leaving Afghanistan economically devastated and in humanitarian crisis.
The phrase is used to indicate criticism of the manner in which the withdrawal was carried out, abandoning millions of Afghans, such as women, minorities and erstwhile Western allies, in limbo.
In 2017, Trump sat down with then-Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and discussed about American access to the rare earth minerals of Afghanistan. By July of 2018, though the U.S. had commenced direct negotiations with the Taliban by bypassing the democratically elected Afghan government. The 2020 Doha Accords that benefited the Taliban were agreed upon without guaranteeing political inclusion, women's rights, or counterterrorism protections. This arrangement eventually led to the resurgence of the Taliban.
In spite of lack of international recognition the Taliban today hold greater control over Afghanistan, with strict limitations imposed on women and minorities. The fall of the former Afghan regime wiped out decades of advances, prompting exiled Afghan leaders to describe the circumstances as a "Great Abandonment."
The U.S. and Europe have majorly distanced themselves from Afghanistan’s internal crises plus Russia, China and Pakistan. Central and West Asian nations have engaged with the Taliban regime. The presence of the Taliban flag at diplomatic missions formerly representing the Afghan Republic signals a shift in global recognition trends.
India has maintained a cautious approach, refusing to accept a Taliban-appointed ambassador while also not fully supporting diplomats of the erstwhile Republic. Although New Delhi shut its Kabul embassy in 2021, it reopened a technical mission in 2022 and has since engaged with Taliban officials at the Ministry of External Affairs level. Recent developments indicate India may expand its presence in Kabul, including allowing a Taliban-nominated envoy in New Delhi.
Realpolitik Issues: The Indian government recognizes the fact that the Taliban are ruling and approaching them is a matter of practicality.
Internal Taliban Fissures: Reports indicate power conflicts between Haqqani groups and Kandahari clerics on matters such as girls' education, reflecting possible cracks within the Taliban.
Strategic Presence: With the other regional powers increasing their foothold in Afghanistan, India runs the risk of forfeiting diplomatic and security clout by remaining isolated.
Humanitarian Assistance versus Political Legitimacy: India has long given assistance without legitimizing the Taliban regime. Direct involvement will undermine India's moral high ground on human rights.
Security Issues: The Taliban have a reputation for attacking Indian missions and staff, so any form of alliance would be a dangerous bet.
Loss of Afghan Goodwill: India's decision to limit visas for Afghans who are escaping the Taliban has disappointed many people who had seen India as a trustworthy friend of theirs earlier.
India's engagement with Kabul’s rulers may be inevitable. But India must rebuild ties with opposition groups and civil society representatives as well at the same time.
New Delhi needs to be more forceful on human rights. The denial of support by Indian cricket authorities to Afghanistan's women's cricket team in exile is a lost chance to show solidarity with Afghan women.
India can help to allow exiled leaders of Afghanitan to hold conferences and forums on its territory. This is to ensure that alternative voices from Afghanistan continue to be heard at a global level.
If India wants to remain relevant in Afghanistan’s future it must engage with the Taliban while simultaneously fostering relationships across the political spectrum. Abandoning the Afghan opposition and civil society in favor of pragmatic dealings with the Taliban alone may prove short-sighted in the long run.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Analyze the implications of the 'Great Abandonment' of Afghanistan on regional stability and India's foreign policy. 250 Words |
1. Why is the U.S. withdrawal called the ‘Great Abandonment’?
It refers to the sudden U.S. and NATO exit in 2021, leading to the Afghan government’s collapse and Taliban takeover, leaving Afghans vulnerable.
2. How did the withdrawal impact Afghanistan?
It triggered political collapse, economic crisis, humanitarian disaster and loss of rights for women and minorities.
3. What is India’s position on the Taliban?
India engages cautiously, providing humanitarian aid but not recognizing the regime officially.
4. How has the world responded to Taliban rule?
The West distanced itself, while China, Russia and Pakistan engaged diplomatically without full recognition.
5. What are the regional security risks post-withdrawal?
The Taliban’s rule has strengthened terrorism, fueled drug trafficking and worsened instability in South and Central Asia.
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