The India-Afghanistan talks reflect India’s shift from non-recognition of the Taliban to a pragmatic approach to engagement
In a significant step towards recalibrating ties, India and the Taliban-led Afghan government held a high-level meeting in Dubai. The dialogue, attended by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, revolved around enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional challenges. The talks, focusing on economic, humanitarian, and strategic cooperation, underscore India’s pragmatic approach toward engaging with Afghanistan despite the complex political dynamics following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. India’s relations with Afghanistan have been historically robust, characterised by cultural and economic collaboration. However, the Taliban’s return disrupted bilateral ties, with India maintaining a cautious stance while continuing to provide humanitarian aid. The evolving geopolitical landscape, Pakistan’s actions in the region, and Afghanistan’s dire humanitarian crisis have necessitated a renewed engagement. The discussions also gain relevance amidst regional tensions, notably Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan, which New Delhi strongly condemned. This shared concern over Islamabad’s destabilising actions further aligns Indian and Afghan interests, fostering mutual cooperation.
The Dubai meeting covered a wide range of topics. India reaffirmed its commitment to aiding Afghanistan’s recovery. It pledged continued support in healthcare, food security, and disaster relief, building on its earlier contributions, such as 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat, medical supplies, and vaccines. Besides, both sides emphasised the strategic importance of Chabahar Port in Iran as a key trade and humanitarian supply route. The port offers Afghanistan access to global markets, bypassing Pakistan, and could serve as a stabilising economic lifeline for the war-torn country. India has expressed readiness to resume developmental activities, including infrastructure and capacity-building projects. This signals India’s willingness to strengthen Afghanistan’s socio-economic framework despite challenges posed by the Taliban’s governance. The Afghan delegation addressed India’s concerns about terrorism and regional stability, assuring cooperation to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for anti-India activities. The talks indicate a shift in India’s approach. This may encourage other nations to adopt a similar stance, recognising the necessity of dealing with the Afghan government. But the biggest takeaway from this meeting indeed was Strengthening India-Afghanistan ties to counter Pakistan’s influence in the region. Islamabad’s strained relations with Kabul, exacerbated by recent airstrikes, present an opportunity for New Delhi to assert its role as a reliable partner. Reviving trade and development projects through Chabahar Port could bolster Afghanistan’s economy and offer India strategic leverage in Central Asia.
