How Are India–Taliban Relations Changing?, Pg12.

Key Highlights:

• India held formal talks with the Taliban-led Afghan government, led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
• India plans to upgrade its diplomatic mission in Kabul from a “technical office” to a fully functioning embassy.
• The Afghan side joined India in condemning terrorism, promising that Afghan soil would not be used for anti-India activities.
• India handed over 20 ambulances and announced plans for infrastructure and humanitarian projects in Afghanistan.
• The visit came amid clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces, signalling India’s interest in countering Pakistan’s regional influence.

Detailed Insights:

• Evolution of Engagement:
  • India had long maintained distance from the Taliban since its takeover in August 2021, choosing instead to engage indirectly through humanitarian aid.
  • The dialogue process accelerated in 2024–25, beginning with the visit of Indian officials to Doha and Dubai for back-channel discussions.
  • The UNSC waiver for Mr. Muttaqi’s travel was secured at India’s request, showing Delhi’s active diplomatic involvement.
• Strategic Calculations:
  • The outreach serves India’s goal of preventing Pakistan from monopolising Afghan influence, especially after the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) used Afghan territory for cross-border attacks.
  • India seeks to reopen trade routes and connectivity projects, including the Chabahar Port and potential links through Central Asia.
  • With China increasing its footprint via the Belt and Road Initiative, India’s diplomatic re-entry also acts as a balancing measure.
• Concerns and Limitations:
  • Despite diplomatic engagement, India has not officially recognised the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.”
  • No mention of women’s rights or education restrictions in the joint statement drew criticism from rights groups.
  • The Taliban’s media event in Delhi excluded women journalists, prompting strong reactions from domestic critics and the opposition.
• Humanitarian and Security Interests:
  • India remains focused on humanitarian aid, capacity-building projects, and educational exchanges that bypass formal recognition.
  • India continues to monitor terror activity from Afghan territory and maintains coordination with the U.S. and other regional partners.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Track-II Diplomacy: Informal or unofficial dialogue between non-state actors or retired officials to facilitate confidence-building before formal negotiations.
• Chabahar Port Project: India’s strategic port development in Iran to access Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
• Regional Security Dynamics: Refers to shifting power structures among neighbouring states affecting cross-border terrorism and trade.