5 years on, how India has warmed up to the Taliban, Pg9

India's Evolving Stance: Five Years of Engagement with the Taliban

Five years after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, India has significantly shifted its approach from initial evacuation to a policy of "cautious engagement," driven by strategic interests and humanitarian concerns, without granting formal diplomatic recognition. This evolving relationship was highlighted by the Taliban's "victory day" celebration in New Delhi on August 15, attended by Indian diplomats.

Key Highlights:

• The Taliban celebrated the fifth anniversary of their takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, with Indian diplomats attending the event in New Delhi.
• India has transitioned from evacuating its embassy in Kabul in August 2021 to actively engaging with the Taliban regime, albeit without official diplomatic recognition.
• This engagement includes high-level diplomatic exchanges, such as the visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi in October 2025.
• India's policy is motivated by the need to protect its substantial investments of USD 2-3 billion in Afghanistan and to maintain influence in the region.
• A key security concern for India is ensuring that Afghan territory is not used for anti-India activities or to support terrorist groups.

Detailed Insights:

• India evacuated its entire embassy from Kabul on August 17, 2021, following the collapse of the Afghan government.
• The Taliban-appointed Charge d’affaires, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, has participated in several key Indian events, including the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address.
• India's deepening ties are partly influenced by the deteriorating relationship between the Taliban and Pakistan, creating a strategic opportunity for New Delhi.
• China's increasing presence and interest in Afghanistan's natural resources also contribute to India's decision to engage.
• Russia has established diplomatic ties with the Taliban, and India collaborates with Moscow to monitor Chinese influence in Afghanistan.
• A report by the UN Security Council's 1267 sanctions committee in August noted the continued presence of terrorist groups like ISIL-K and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.
• India has provided significant humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat and essential medicines.
• While previously expressing concerns over human rights, particularly women's rights, India has not made these "red lines" a public condition for its current engagement.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Taliban: An Islamist political and military organization that has been the de facto ruling authority of Afghanistan since August 2021.
• Cautious Engagement: A diplomatic strategy involving interaction with a de facto regime without granting it full official recognition.
• UN Security Council's 1267 sanctions committee: A United Nations body established to oversee sanctions against individuals and entities associated with Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
• ISIL-K (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan): A militant group and regional affiliate of the Islamic State operating primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan, known for its violent campaigns.
• Al-Qaeda: An international terrorist network founded by Osama bin Laden, historically based in Afghanistan and associated with the Taliban.