Context:
The Taliban foreign minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is in India on his first official visit, from October 9 to 16 under a UN travel‐ban exemption. It is being seen as a significant diplomatic moment: the first visit by such a senior Taliban leader since the Taliban took Kabul in 2021.
Background:
When the Taliban returned to power in 2021, India was cautious. It did not immediately recognize the Taliban government. India instead maintained humanitarian contacts, sent aid (food, medicines, vaccines etc.), and tried to preserve its projects and diplomatic channels in a limited manner.
Why India Is Increasing Engagement:
|
Motivating Factor |
Details / Explanation |
|
Realism in foreign policy |
The Taliban are de facto in control in Afghanistan. India recognises that influence in Kabul is better preserved through engagement than isolation. Also, ignoring Afghanistan risks losing strategic space to rivals. |
|
Security concerns |
Terrorism emanating from Afghanistan (or groups using Afghan territory) is important to India. Engaging Taliban leadership may help ensure that Afghan soil is not used by terror outfits targeting India. Also, earlier condemnations by Muttaqi after terror attacks in Kashmir are important gestures. |
|
Connectivity, trade, transit imperatives |
India wants reliable access to Central Asia and markets beyond its immediate neighbors. Pakistan has traditionally blocked land transit, so routes via Afghanistan‑Iran (especially Chabahar port) are increasingly seen as strategic alternatives. |
|
Countering rival influence |
Pakistan has historically had strong influence over the Taliban (or at least over some Taliban structures). New Delhi does not want to be sidelined. Also, China and Iran are stepping up outreach; India wants to not fall behind in being part of Afghanistan’s future regional alignment. |
|
Preservation of prior investments |
India has invested in infrastructure, development (e.g. roads, dams, schools) in Afghanistan over past decades. Engagement helps protect what remains and possibly restart some of the stalled programs. |
Constraints, Risks and Red Lines:
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- Recognition: India still has not officially recognized the Taliban government. Formal recognition carries diplomatic, reputational risks, especially given concerns over human rights, particularly women’s rights.
- Human rights / inclusivity: International and domestic pressures persist over Taliban’s treatment of women, minorities, suppression of dissent, etc. India will face criticism if it is seen to gloss over such issues.
- Security reliability: There's risk in trusting any guarantees. Taliban’s internal structure is not monolithic; there are elements (or affiliates) which might not be under central control and may serve as bases for militant groups.
- Pakistan factor: Any deepening of India‑Taliban ties is likely to provoke responses from Pakistan, which sees Afghanistan as part of its sphere of influence. Cross‑border dynamics, militant groups, bilateral tensions are all implicated.
- Recognition: India still has not officially recognized the Taliban government. Formal recognition carries diplomatic, reputational risks, especially given concerns over human rights, particularly women’s rights.
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Conclusion:
India's engagement with Taliban's Muttaqi underscores the complexity of international diplomacy, where strategic interests often require engagement with entities that may not align with one's values. By prioritizing regional stability, security, and economic cooperation, India aims to protect its interests and contribute to a more stable Afghanistan, while navigating the intricate geopolitics of the region
