The next steps for Afghanistan after the New Delhi visit, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi recently visited New Delhi to discuss stabilizing Afghanistan.
• The joint statement between Afghanistan and India condemned the Pahalgam attack and reiterated promises to prevent Afghan territory from being used against India.
• India has offered to build the Shahtoot dam on the Kabul River, raising concerns in Pakistan about reduced water flows.
• India has announced 1,000 e-scholarships for Afghan students through the Indian Council of Cultural Relations.

Detailed Insights:

• The UN Security Council Sanctions Monitoring Committee Report acknowledged the Taliban's actions against the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) but questioned their capability due to internal divisions.
• Despite receiving funds from the Taliban, Kabul has been hesitant to act against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), fearing alignment with IS-K.
• India could assist the Taliban's drug eradication program by integrating it with crop substitution initiatives, ensuring farmer security and export opportunities.
• Kabul faces a severe water crisis and may run dry by 2030; the Shahtoot dam project could alleviate this but requires a comprehensive water treaty involving Pakistan.
• The replacement of Taliban leaders who supported women's education with hardliners highlights the challenges in promoting education for women in Afghanistan.
• Focusing on skill development in areas where India plans to invest, such as mining, can minimize the need for a large Indian presence and create local employment.
• Strengthening the National Security Council Secretariat is crucial for a coordinated government approach to ensure Afghanistan remains stable and friendly.
• Stabilizing Afghanistan requires systemic change in Pakistan, including promoting democracy, as the Pakistan army benefits from the instability.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Taliban: The dominant political and military organization currently ruling Afghanistan.
• IS-K (Islamic State-Khorasan): A regional affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS) active in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan): A militant group operating along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.