India's Pragmatic Engagement with Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan: Decoding the Non-Recognition Policy

Why in News

Afghanistan's Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited New Delhi in October 2025 for an eight-day stay, the highest-level interaction since the Taliban seized power in 2021. This led to India's announcement to fully re-establish its embassy in Kabul, upgrading from a limited technical mission, while still withholding formal recognition of the Taliban regime. The visit underscores India's careful balancing of humanitarian, economic, and security interests in the region amid shifting global dynamics.

Key Points

1. Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to India from October 9 to 16, 2025, marked the first high-level Taliban official trip since 2021, focusing on trade, investment, and security assurances.
2. India decided to reopen its full embassy in Kabul, which had operated as a technical mission since June 2022 to handle humanitarian aid and development projects.
3. Muttaqi met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, assuring that Afghan soil would not be used against India or any country, condemning terror attacks like the one in Pahalgam in May 2025.
4. The Taliban invited Indian investments in Afghanistan's mining sector and supported connectivity projects like the TAPI gas pipeline and Chabahar port usage.
5. India has invested over $3 billion in Afghanistan's infrastructure and development, continuing humanitarian aid without recognizing the regime.
6. Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, including border clashes and disputes over the Durand Line, have created opportunities for India to deepen ties with the Taliban.
7. The UN has rejected the Taliban's bid for Afghanistan's seat for the fourth year in 2024, citing lack of inclusivity, human rights issues, and failure to dismantle terror groups.
8. Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban in July 2025, while China and UAE have accepted Taliban envoys without full recognition.
9. Central Asian states like Uzbekistan host Taliban diplomats due to shared security concerns over groups like IMU and TTT.
10. The article's photo shows Jaishankar and Muttaqi in a meeting, symbolizing the practical diplomatic compromise, with no other infographics but a focus on key events like the IC-814 hijack reference for historical context.

Explained

What is India's 'engagement without recognition' policy towards the Taliban government in Afghanistan?

Basic Concept: This policy allows India to interact with the Taliban as the de facto rulers of Afghanistan through diplomatic tools like embassies and meetings, without granting de jure recognition that would legitimize their 2021 takeover of the elected government.

Legal Foundation: It follows international norms under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), which standardizes embassy functions but does not require recognition for practical engagement.

Practical Implementation: India reopened its embassy in Kabul as a full mission in October 2025, focusing on aid and trade, similar to how it handles unrecognized entities like Taiwan or the Myanmar junta.

Strategic Rationale: This approach protects India's interests in security and economy without endorsing the Taliban's violent rise, avoiding precedents like its 1980s recognition of the Soviet-backed Afghan regime.

How has India's relationship with Afghanistan evolved since the Taliban's 2021 takeover?

Historical Background: During the first Taliban rule (1996-2001), India opposed them and supported the Northern Alliance; post-2001, India built strong ties with the Afghan Republic, investing $3 billion in projects like roads and schools.

Post-2021 Changes: After the US withdrawal, India closed its embassy but sent a technical team in 2022 for aid; by 2025, engagements increased, including Muttaqi's visit and terror condemnations.

Key Drivers: Taliban assurances against anti-India groups, Pakistan-Afghanistan friction over borders and TTP, and Afghanistan's economic needs amid US aid cuts.

Current Focus Areas: Humanitarian aid, mining investments, and connectivity like TAPI pipeline, helping India counter China's influence in the region.

What are the global approaches to engaging the Taliban without recognition?

UN's Stance: The UN denies Taliban the Afghan seat due to issues like women's rights and terror links, requiring exemptions for visits like Muttaqi's under UNSC sanctions.

Other Countries' Models: Russia recognized them in 2025; China and UAE accept envoys; Central Asian nations host diplomats for security; even Pakistan upgraded ties despite tensions.

Common Trends: Most use 'engagement without recognition' for practical needs like trade and counter-terrorism, reflecting realpolitik over ideals.

India's Alignment: Similar to global shifts, India prioritizes stability, differing from Western fatigue post-US withdrawal.

Why does India hesitate to formally recognize the Taliban?

Core Concerns: Recognition would legitimize the 2021 overthrow, conflicting with India's support for democracy and human rights, especially women's restrictions under Taliban.

Security Risks: Past events like the 1999 IC-814 hijack link Taliban to anti-India terror; ongoing ISKP threats and TTP presence require cautious engagement.

Regional Dynamics: Avoiding full ties prevents alienating anti-Taliban groups and balances relations with Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia.

Broader Implications: It maintains flexibility amid US efforts like reclaiming Bagram base, aligning with India's non-alignment policy.

What are the benefits and challenges of this policy for India?

Benefits: Enables aid delivery, economic opportunities in mining, and security dialogues; leverages Taliban-Pakistan rift for influence.

Challenges: Risks backlash from human rights groups; potential instability if Taliban faces internal threats like ISKP insurgency.

Future Outlook: Could lead to deeper ties if Taliban improves inclusivity, supporting India's goals in Central Asia and countering China-Pakistan axis.

Economic Angle: Afghanistan's needs post-US aid cut (2025) open doors for Indian investments, boosting trade via Chabahar.

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