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Introduction

Despite initial apprehensions post-Taliban takeover in 2021, India-Afghanistan relations have shown signs of pragmatic recalibration. Contrary to fears of Taliban-Pakistan collusion, Kabul-Islamabad tensions have persisted, and Taliban leaders have repeatedly assured that Afghan soil will not be used against India. These evolving dynamics offer India an opportunity to re-engage strategically with Afghanistan.

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Shifting Contours of India-Afghanistan Relations under Taliban

• Tactical Reassessment by India: After initial hesitation, India is reassessing its diplomatic stance, marked by recent high-level communications, including India’s EAM conversation with Taliban officials.
• Diminishing Taliban-Pakistan Bonhomie: Kabul’s tensions with Islamabad counter prior fears of a Pakistan-backed anti-India axis under the Taliban regime.
• India’s Diplomatic Hesitation amid Global Recognition: While countries like Russia, China, and UAE have appointed ambassadors, India is yet to normalise ties, losing diplomatic space to rivals.
• Emerging Taliban Interest in Balanced Global Ties: Taliban officials have publicly distanced themselves from anti-India positions and are inviting Indian engagement in development and diplomacy.
• Reconstruction-Oriented Governance: Taliban leadership shows growing focus on economic revival, diaspora return, and social reforms (e.g., female education debates), signalling new engagement possibilities.
• India’s Image as a Trusted Development Partner: India’s goodwill, built through historic civilisational ties and development aid, remains intact and presents a strong base for renewed collaboration.
  

Pragmatic Steps India Should Take to Safeguard Interests

• Formal Diplomatic Recognition and Engagement: India should re-establish ambassadorial-level relations and deepen formal channels, especially as strategic rivals expand their footprint in Kabul.
• Harness Afghanistan’s Mineral Wealth: Indian public and private enterprises should invest in infrastructure and tap into Afghanistan’s vast lithium (Saudi of Lithium), copper, and rare earth reserves worth trillions, in a win-win model.
• Support Sustainable Livelihoods: Share Indian expertise in agriculture, horticulture, and MSMEs to help Afghan farmers transition from opium cultivation to sustainable alternatives.
• Revive Educational and Medical Partnerships: Remove visa restrictions for Afghan students and patients, and facilitate Indian investment in hospitals, pharma units, and teacher training programs.
  Eg: There were as many 11,000 Afghan students in India (35 percent of them women) until a decade ago.
• Foster Cultural and Sports Diplomacy: Use cricket and other sports to deepen people-to-people ties; BCCI can help build a cricket stadium in Kabul and promote Afghan talent in Indian leagues.
• Enhance Connectivity through Chabahar and Wagah: Reopen the India-Afghanistan trade route via Attari-Wagah and accelerate Chabahar port development to ensure seamless trade bypassing Pakistan.
• Promote Regional Cooperation and People’s Diplomacy: Revitalise SAARC and encourage frequent exchanges among leaders, scholars, journalists, and entrepreneurs to build trust and mutual understanding.
  Eg: Over 1.5 million Afghans were disabled by decades of war. India’s Jaipur Foot, led by D.R. Mehta, aids them with free artificial limbs.

Conclusion

Taliban-led Afghanistan presents both challenges and opportunities. India must shift from passive observation to a proactive strategy focused on diplomacy, development, and regional integration to safeguard its interests and promote South Asian stability.

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