India has taken a major step to normalize relations with the Taliban government in Afghanistan by upgrading its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy after four years, following a key meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi. This move comes amid shifting regional dynamics, including tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan, and aims to boost cooperation on security, trade, and humanitarian aid while addressing shared concerns like terrorism.
What is the historical background of India-Afghanistan relations?
Historical Ties: India and Afghanistan have shared deep cultural, economic, and people-to-people connections for centuries, with links dating back to ancient times through trade routes like the Silk Road and shared influences in art, language, and religion, such as Buddhism and Sufism.
Post-Independence Relations: Since India's independence in 1947, the two countries have maintained formal diplomatic ties, with India supporting Afghanistan's development through projects like the Salma Dam (now India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam) and the Afghan Parliament building, investing over $3 billion in infrastructure, education, and healthcare over the decades.
India's Non-Recognition Policy Initially: After the Taliban seized power in 2021 following the US withdrawal, India closed its embassy in Kabul due to security concerns and did not recognize the Taliban government, focusing instead on humanitarian aid and maintaining a "technical team" from 2022 to provide limited consular services.
Why did India decide to upgrade its diplomatic presence in Kabul now?
Shifting Regional Dynamics: With the Taliban's relations with Pakistan deteriorating due to border clashes and accusations of harboring militants, India sees an opportunity to engage directly to counter Pakistan's influence and China's growing investments in Afghanistan, such as mining and infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Security Concerns: India has faced threats from Afghanistan-based terror groups in the past, like the 1999 IC-814 hijacking by Taliban-linked militants; the upgrade allows better coordination to prevent such incidents, especially after recent attacks like the one in Pahalgam, where the Taliban expressed solidarity with India.
Economic and Strategic Interests: Afghanistan's location as a gateway to Central Asia makes it vital for India's connectivity projects like the Chabahar port in Iran, which bypasses Pakistan and facilitates trade; the move supports India's goal of regional stability and access to resources like critical minerals.
What does the embassy upgrade mean for diplomatic relations?
Step Towards Normalization: Upgrading from a "technical mission" (a limited diplomatic setup without full ambassadorial status) to an embassy signifies formal engagement without full recognition of the Taliban government, allowing India to post a full ambassador and expand consular services for Afghans in India.
Reciprocal Actions: In response, the Taliban plans to send its diplomats to the Afghan embassy in Delhi, which has been run by officials from the previous Ghani government; this could lead to a handover, resolving the ongoing flag and control disputes at the embassy.
Broader Implications: This aligns with India's "neighborhood first" policy but cautiously, as India joins countries like China, Russia, and Iran in engaging the Taliban practically, while the US and others withhold recognition due to human rights issues.
What assurances were given on terrorism and security?
Taliban's Pledge: Amir Khan Muttaqi reiterated that no group or individual would be allowed to use Afghan territory against India or others, emphasizing the Taliban's control over the country and the departure of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed after four years of rule.
Joint Commitment: Both sides condemned terrorism in a joint statement, calling for coordinated efforts to combat cross-border threats, with India appreciating the Taliban's stance post the Pahalgam attack and stressing the need for regional peace.
Background on Terrorism: Afghanistan has historically been a base for anti-India militants supported by Pakistan's ISI; the Taliban's assurance echoes the 2020 US-Taliban Doha Agreement, which required preventing terror groups, though concerns persist about remnants of Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K.
What are the key areas of cooperation discussed?
Humanitarian Aid: India has provided over 50,000 tons of wheat, medicines, and disaster relief since 2021; new commitments include building residences for repatriated refugees, supplying ambulances, and medical equipment to address needs from earthquakes and forced returns from Pakistan and Iran.
Development Projects: Six new initiatives focus on healthcare, such as oncology and trauma centers, maternity clinics, and upgrading facilities at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul, building on past projects like power lines and schools.
Trade and Connectivity: Bilateral trade reached $1 billion last year; discussions covered air corridors, mining investments by Indian companies, and pushing for the Wagah border route with Pakistan, alongside removing US sanctions hurdles for Chabahar port to enhance economic ties.
Capacity Building: India offers scholarships through ICCR, supports cricket exchanges (Afghanistan's team often trains in India), and introduced a new visa module to increase issuances for Afghans, fostering people-to-people links.
What controversies arose during the visit?
Exclusion of Women Journalists: At Muttaqi's press conference, only male journalists were allowed, reflecting the Taliban's restrictive policies on women, which Muttaqi dismissed as "propaganda" while claiming adherence to Shariah and local customs; this sparked criticism in India about gender rights.
Flag and Embassy Disputes: The Taliban delegation used their flag at the presser despite resistance from existing embassy staff loyal to the old republic, highlighting the transition; the old Afghan flag remains hoisted outside, symbolizing ongoing tensions.
Bamiyan Buddhas Reference: The press conference backdrop featured a painting of the Bamiyan Buddhas, destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, serving as a reminder of cultural heritage losses and the group's past actions against non-Islamic sites.
What is the broader context of the Taliban government?
Taliban Takeover: In August 2021, the Taliban regained power after 20 years, leading to the collapse of the US-backed government; they established the Islamic Emirate, imposing strict Islamic laws, banning girls' education beyond primary level, and restricting women's public roles.
International Recognition: No country fully recognizes the Taliban yet due to human rights violations, but pragmatic engagements are increasing; the UN has granted Muttaqi travel exemptions for diplomacy, as seen in his India visit from October 9-16, including trips to Agra and Deoband.
Challenges for Afghanistan: The country faces economic collapse, with 97% of the population in poverty per UN reports, natural disasters like earthquakes, and refugee crises from deportations; India's aid helps, but sustainable development requires inclusive governance.
What are the potential challenges and benefits for India?
Benefits: Enhanced security through direct dialogue, economic gains from trade and mining, and strategic positioning against Pakistan and China in the region, supporting India's vision for a stable Central Asia.
Challenges: Risks of backlash from engaging a non-inclusive regime, potential terror threats if assurances fail, and balancing human rights concerns with realpolitik, as criticized by some opposition parties in India.
Future Outlook: This reset could lead to more high-level visits and projects, but India will monitor Taliban actions on inclusivity and counter-terrorism before full recognition.
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