India-Taliban relations

In the face of an increasingly hostile and constrained near neighborhood, New Delhi has focused on deepening relations with a wider array of countries.

Is Pakistan on the verge of losing its erstwhile friend, the Afghan Taliban, to its arch-rival India?

While a reconciliation between the two estranged partners – the Taliban and Islamabad – seems impossible, the rift has opened up opportunities for New Delhi to step in. 

The evolving Indian policy toward Afghanistan is either a drastic climb down from a moral high ground or grimly pragmatic, depending on how one looks at things. 

These days, Afghan democrats need a champion, and India, under Modi’s leadership, could be that champion – if New Delhi can correct course on its Afghanistan policy.

And the dilemma that it presents for Washington.

Last week, Afghan diplomats aligned with the Ashraf Ghani government announced the ceasing of operations in the Afghan embassy in the Indian capital.

When it comes the question of engaging with the Taliban, New Delhi favors a cautious middle path. 

Many students who returned to Afghanistan during the pandemic lockdowns have been denied Indian visas.

Indian and Taliban officials are reported to have discussed diplomatic relations during a recent meeting in Kabul.

The threat in Kashmir pales in comparison to the 1990s – and India is in a much stronger position as well.

While domestic politics and moral compulsions pull India away from the Taliban, its strategic interests will push it to engage with the new government in Kabul.