In recent times, China and Pakistan announced a joint initiative to stabilize the volatile situation in Afghanistan, preventing it from turning into a terror breeding ground. The abrupt exit of US military personnel from the region, accompanied by the rapid territorial gains by the Taliban, has necessitated this action.
The Five-Point Joint Action Plan
The joint action plan comprises five strategies. Primarily, the aim is to prevent the country from plunging into a full-scale civil war and halting the warfare expansion. Secondly, efforts will be made to foster negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban in a bid to establish an inclusive political structure. There’s a committed stance to combat terrorist forces aggressively and urge all leading parties in Afghanistan to denounce terrorism unequivocally. A cooperative platform involving Afghanistan’s neighbours will be explored and promoted. Last but not least, both countries will closely collaborate on international platforms regarding the Afghan issue.
Underlying Motivations for the Initiative
Pakistan’s commitment to counteract terrorism stems from its struggle with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has been launching a series of insurgencies within Pakistan. Similarly, China’s concern comes from the resurgence of Uyghur militants from Xinjiang, operating under the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). Beijing maintains that ETIM has ties to Al-Qaeda, a claim endorsed by the United Nation’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team’s 12th report. Furthermore, the growing instability in Afghanistan threatens the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and numerous Chinese projects across Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Background and History
The current situation traces back to September 2001 when nearly 3000 Americans were killed in a terror attack, the mastermind being Osama Bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda. Afghanistan, which was under the control of radical Islamists – Taliban at that time, refused to surrender Bin Laden. Consequently, the US and NATO declared war on Afghanistan, overthrew the Taliban regime and established a transitional government. After 20 years of warfare, US troops departed from Afghanistan, shifting the battleground advantage to the Taliban.
India’s Stake in the Situation
India’s billion-rupee investments in Afghanistan have raised concerns for its safety amidst the Taliban resurgence. The country aims to prevent a future Taliban government from becoming a puppet of Pakistan and to make sure anti-India groups backed by Pakistan do not receive support from the Taliban.
The Way Forward
India’s policy concerning Afghanistan is at a significant crossroads. To protect its assets and maintain relevance in the unfolding geopolitical scenario, India must rethink and realign its policy. Open talks with the Taliban are necessary, in response to the changing political and security landscape. The era of backchannel discussions with reluctance and embarrassment has ended; India is now required to adapt its maximalist position and initiate a dialogue with the Taliban.