UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 March 2025

Home UPSC Current Affairs India’s recalibration with the Taliban

India’s recalibration with the Taliban

Why in News:

India’s increasing engagement with the Taliban, including the possibility of accepting a Taliban-appointed envoy, marks a strategic shift in its Afghanistan policy. While this move could counter Chinese and Pakistani influence, it also poses risks, including security concerns and human rights issues.

Introduction

India’s approach toward Afghanistan is witnessing a significant shift, with reports indicating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may allow the Taliban to appoint an envoy for its embassy in New Delhi.
This development follows India’s first high-level meeting with the Taliban in January 2024, where Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Taliban ‘Foreign Minister’ Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai to discuss political and economic ties along with humanitarian aid.

Strategic Calculations Behind India’s Shift

Geopolitical Considerations

India sees an opportunity to increase its influence in Afghanistan, a country of strategic importance due to its location at the crossroads of South and Central Asia. Engaging with the Taliban aligns with India’s broader regional interests, particularly in countering the growing influence of China and Pakistan.

- China’s Rapid Expansion in Afghanistan
  - China was the first country to accept a Taliban envoy.
  - Beijing has initiated infrastructure projects and is considering Afghanistan’s inclusion in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
  - This has brought the Taliban into China’s strategic orbit.

- Pakistan-Taliban Relationship Breakdown
  - Once natural allies, relations between Pakistan and the Taliban have soured.
  - The Taliban has sought independence from Islamabad, forging ties with China, Russia, and Central Asian states.
  - Pakistan’s diminishing influence in Kabul creates space for India to establish its presence.

India’s engagement with the Taliban could provide a counterweight to Chinese expansion and undermine Pakistan’s regional leverage.

Challenges and Risks of Engaging with the Taliban

Afghanistan as a Terrorism Hotbed

One of the biggest risks in engaging with the Taliban is Afghanistan’s status as a hub for terrorism.

- Islamic State’s Growing Threat
  - The Islamic State (IS) has carried out deadly terror attacks in Afghanistan, targeting Taliban officials and foreign interests.
  - In December 2023, IS assassinated Taliban ‘Minister’ Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani.
  - The group has also attacked foreign embassies and business interests in Afghanistan.
- Taliban’s Alleged Support for Terror Groups
  - The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an ally of the Afghan Taliban, has been accused of launching terror attacks on Pakistan.
  - In February 2024, the TTP claimed to have carried out 147 attacks, killing 180 Pakistani soldiers.
  - Pakistan responded with airstrikes on Afghan territory, worsening relations with the Taliban.
- Direct Threats to India
  - - India has already been targeted by the IS, which claimed responsibility for an attack on the Indian consulate in Jalalabad.
    - A UN report in 2023 warned that IS is attempting to recruit ‘lone actors’ to conduct attacks in India.

India must carefully evaluate whether closer engagement with the Taliban will increase its exposure to terrorism.

The Human Rights Concern: Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan

The Taliban’s repressive policies against women and minorities have led to international condemnation.

1.4 million school-age girls have been denied education.
Women are banned from most jobs, beauty parlors, and public spaces like parks.
The UN has described the situation as “gender apartheid”.

India has traditionally championed human rights and women’s empowerment. Aligning with the Taliban could undermine India’s global image and invite domestic and international criticism.

Need for a Cautious Approach

Given Afghanistan’s history of political instability, terrorism, and human rights violations, India must weigh its strategic interests against the potential risks of engaging with the Taliban.
Key Considerations for India:

Terrorism Control as a Precondition
- India must demand that the Taliban actively combat IS and distance itself from terror groups like the TTP.
- Regional counterterrorism cooperation with Iran, Russia, and Central Asian nations should be strengthened.
Engagement Without Recognition
- India can continue diplomatic and economic engagement without officially recognizing the Taliban regime.
- This approach aligns with global best practices while maintaining strategic flexibility.
Balancing Geopolitical Interests
- India must ensure that its engagement in Afghanistan does not lead to overdependence on the Taliban, similar to China and Pakistan’s failed experiences.
- Investment in infrastructure and humanitarian aid can be pursued cautiously, with strict monitoring of funds.

Conclusion

Afghanistan remains a volatile and high-risk region, and India must carefully assess the benefits and drawbacks of engaging with the Taliban. While there are strategic advantages, including countering China and Pakistan, the risks of terrorism, instability, and human rights concerns cannot be ignored.
New Delhi must adopt a measured, pragmatic, and security-conscious approach that safeguards India’s interests while avoiding overcommitment in a country fraught with dangers.