Why India is reaching out to the Taliban now?

 

Context: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has met Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, India’s highest-level contact yet with the regime since it came to power in 2021

India's recent diplomatic engagement with the Taliban marks a significant shift in its foreign policy, driven by strategic, economic, and security considerations.

Strategic Considerations:

Historically, India maintained a non-recognition stance towards the Taliban, supporting the Northern Alliance during the 1990s. However, the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan has necessitated a reassessment. Engaging with the Taliban allows India to counterbalance Pakistan's influence in the region. Notably, the Taliban's relations with Pakistan have become strained, presenting India with an opportunity to establish a foothold in Afghanistan.

Economic Interests:

Afghanistan's strategic location offers India access to Central Asian markets and energy resources. Collaborating on infrastructure projects, such as the development of Iran's Chabahar Port, facilitates trade routes that bypass Pakistan, enhancing regional connectivity. Additionally, Afghanistan's mineral wealth presents investment opportunities for India.

Security Concerns:

The potential for Afghanistan to become a haven for extremist groups poses a direct threat to India's national security. By engaging with the Taliban, India aims to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for anti-India activities. The Taliban's recent actions, such as not supporting groups hostile to India, have built confidence in New Delhi regarding its security interests.

Humanitarian Assistance:

India has a longstanding commitment to Afghanistan's development, having invested in various infrastructure and humanitarian projects. Continued engagement enables India to provide essential aid, addressing the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and reinforcing its image as a responsible regional power.

Regional Dynamics:

Other regional players, including China, Russia, and Iran, have established ties with the Taliban, seeking to expand their influence in Afghanistan. To avoid strategic isolation and maintain its regional relevance, India finds it imperative to engage with the Taliban.

Conclusion

India's outreach to the Taliban is a pragmatic response to the evolving geopolitical landscape. By engaging with the Taliban, India seeks to safeguard its strategic interests, enhance regional connectivity, and contribute to Afghanistan's stability. This nuanced approach reflects India's adaptability in its foreign policy to navigate complex regional challenges.