India’s Evolving Engagement with the Taliban

India – Taliban Engagement

India’s decision to engage with the Taliban signals a transformative moment in its foreign policy, driven by changing geopolitical realities, economic stakes, and security concerns. Historically, India avoided direct dealings with the Taliban, primarily due to their close ties with Pakistan and a history of extremism. However, the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 and the subsequent shifts in regional dynamics have compelled India to reassess its approach.

By cautiously engaging with the Taliban, India seeks to safeguard its investments, address security threats, and assert its influence in a region where rival powers like Pakistan and China are also vying for dominance. This essay examines the historical context, reasons for India’s shift, its strategy, and the challenges it faces in navigating this complex relationship.

Historical Context: From Hesitation to Engagement

India’s initial approach towards the Taliban was shaped by mistrust and opposition. During the Taliban’s first stint in power in the late 1990s, India strongly opposed their extremist policies and their support for Pakistan’s strategic interests. In 2000, Indian diplomats dismissed the possibility of meaningful engagement, citing the Taliban’s alignment with Islamabad’s agenda. India instead focused on supporting Afghanistan’s democratic forces, contributing over $3 billion to development projects such as schools, roads, and hospitals.

However, the collapse of the Ashraf Ghani government in 2021 and the chaotic withdrawal of US forces created a new reality. With the Taliban firmly in control, India faced the risk of losing its investments and influence in Afghanistan. The first step towards re-engagement occurred in August 2021, when Indian officials met Taliban representatives in Doha. This cautious diplomacy marked the beginning of a strategic shift, culminating in the 2025 meeting between India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai. This meeting, the highest-level interaction since the Taliban’s return to power, underscored India’s intent to protect its interests through direct dialogue.

Why India is Engaging

Several interconnected factors have pushed India to engage with the Taliban. One significant reason is the deterioration of the Taliban-Pakistan relationship. Once close allies, the two now face increasing tensions, as evidenced by Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan and the Taliban’s retaliatory actions. This rift offers India an opportunity to establish direct ties with the Taliban and reduce Pakistan’s influence over the regime.

India is also responding to the shifting power dynamics in the region. Iran, traditionally a key player in Afghan affairs, has been weakened by conflicts with Israel and internal challenges. Russia is preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, while China has been making inroads in Afghanistan through investments in infrastructure and natural resources. India’s engagement with the Taliban is a strategic move to counter China’s growing influence and maintain relevance in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.

Economic considerations play a vital role in India’s engagement strategy. Over two decades, India has heavily invested in Afghanistan’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems. These projects have brought significant benefits to the Afghan people and strengthened India’s image as a development partner. By re-establishing ties with the Taliban, India aims to protect these investments and explore new opportunities, such as using Iran’s Chabahar port to enhance trade and connectivity.

Security concerns remain a primary driver of India’s engagement. The Taliban’s control over Afghanistan makes them a critical player in ensuring that Afghan soil is not used for anti-India terrorist activities. Groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which have historically operated in the region, pose significant threats to India. Engaging with the Taliban provides a direct channel to address these risks and secure assurances against such activities.

India’s Engagement Strategy

India’s engagement with the Taliban has evolved gradually, reflecting a mix of pragmatism and caution. Initially, India focused on humanitarian assistance, sending food, medicines, and earthquake relief to Afghanistan. This approach emphasised support for the Afghan people while avoiding endorsing the Taliban regime. Over time, India expanded its involvement, discussing development projects, trade, and people-to-people connections.

One key aspect of India’s strategy is leveraging soft power. Initiatives such as providing medical visas, encouraging educational exchanges, and strengthening cultural ties through cricket have fostered goodwill among the Afghan population. The Taliban, recognising the importance of India’s contributions, have expressed their willingness to cooperate on development projects and humanitarian initiatives.

Another critical element of India’s strategy is regional connectivity. The discussions in Dubai highlighted the potential of using Iran’s Chabahar port as a trade hub, reducing Afghanistan’s reliance on Pakistan for trade routes. This move aligns with India’s broader goal of enhancing regional trade and securing its economic interests.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite the progress, India’s engagement with the Taliban faces several challenges. One major issue is the Taliban’s poor human rights record, particularly their treatment of women and minorities. The regime’s restrictions on women’s education and employment have drawn widespread condemnation, including from India. Critics argue that engaging with such a government risks undermining India’s democratic values and its long-standing support for inclusive governance in Afghanistan.

Domestically, India’s outreach to the Taliban has faced scepticism from some quarters, who view it as a departure from its principled stance on democracy and human rights. Balancing this criticism with the need to protect national interests presents a significant challenge for Indian policymakers.

Security risks remain a constant concern. Although the Taliban have assured India that they will not allow Afghan territory to be used against Indian interests, there are no guarantees. The presence of groups like the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and other extremist factions adds to the complexity of the situation.

Additionally, India must navigate its relationships with other regional players while engaging with the Taliban. Managing ties with Iran, Russia, and Central Asian nations is crucial to avoiding tensions and ensuring a collaborative approach to Afghanistan’s stability.

Regional Implications

India’s engagement with the Taliban has significant implications for South Asia. By establishing direct ties with the Taliban, India challenges Pakistan’s traditional dominance in Afghan affairs. This shift undermines Islamabad’s leverage and positions India as a key player in the region.

The move also serves as a counterbalance to China’s growing presence in Afghanistan. China has been actively investing in Afghan infrastructure and natural resources as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. India’s involvement offers an alternative model of partnership, emphasising development and connectivity rather than resource extraction.

Promoting regional trade through the Chabahar port is another significant outcome of India’s engagement. This initiative not only benefits Afghanistan and India but also strengthens regional connectivity, fostering economic growth and stability.

Balancing Pragmatism, Security, and Principles

As India deepens its relationship with the Taliban, it must adopt a balanced approach that prioritises pragmatism without compromising its principles. Humanitarian assistance and development projects should remain central to India’s strategy, ensuring goodwill among the Afghan people. Soft power initiatives, such as educational exchanges and cultural ties, can further strengthen this relationship.

Security must remain a top priority. India should continue to monitor potential threats and work with the Taliban to address shared concerns, such as the presence of extremist groups. Collaborating with regional players, including Iran and Russia, can help create a unified approach to Afghanistan’s stability and counter China’s growing influence.

Finally, India should persist in advocating for inclusive governance and human rights in Afghanistan. By raising these issues in diplomatic forums, India can align its engagement with its democratic values and international norms.

Conclusion

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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH