Recently, India has been observed to be changing its stance on engaging with the Taliban. This change is evident from India’s participation in the Intra-Afghan peace talks initiation ceremony which took place in Doha, Qatar. This dialogue was between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban. The shift in India’s stance is primarily due to the evolving ground reality in Afghanistan and alterations in the region’s power structure. With the withdrawal of the USA, Pakistan has gained a significant role in Afghan affairs, either directly or through its proxies.
Despite these changes, some experts feel that India’s participation in the ceremony was only because the Afghan government was also present. Noteworthy here is that even though it attended the talks, India still does not recognise the Taliban.
India’s Stand on the Issue
India advocates for a peace process that must be led, owned, and controlled by Afghanistan. In other words, it should respect Afghanistan’s national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and promote human rights and democracy. It must also safeguard the progress made towards establishing a democratic Islamic Republic in Afghanistan.
The interests of minorities, women, vulnerable sections of society, and Indian entities like the Indian Embassy and Indian companies in Afghanistan must be protected. Moreover, it is crucial to address effectively the issue of violence across the country and its neighbours. India supports an “independent and sovereign” Afghanistan – clearly emphasizing no control by Pakistan and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) over Afghanistan’s affairs.
Historical Background
The US signing a deal with the Taliban, marked the path towards a complete withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. This move represents a step towards ending the 18-year-war in Afghanistan. This peace agreement was expected to initiate two processes: a phased removal of US troops and an ‘intra-Afghan’ dialogue. The deal marks a fundamental step towards delivering a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and future political roadmap for the Afghanistan peace process.
India’s Interests in Afghanistan
India has a considerable stake in Afghanistan’s stability. For instance, India has invested considerably in Afghanistan’s development. These include important projects like the Afghan Parliament, the Zaranj-Delaram Highway, and Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam). Moreover, Afghanistan is also seen as a gateway to Central Asia for India.
Issues On the Table
India raises concerns about several issues involving Taliban links with Pakistan’s ISI and their attempts to use the Haqqani network to target India’s interests in Afghanistan. India’s policy towards Afghanistan is constantly reassessed against Pakistan’s stance, which opposes any security role for India in Afghanistan and sees India’s presence there as detrimental to its interests. Moreover, India recognizes the Taliban’s connection with Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and Laskar-e-Toiba (LeT), the groups behind various terror activities against India.
The Path Forward
India needs to re-evaluate its approach and consider a more omnidirectional strategy to engage with all parties that will shape Afghanistan’s future. The changing political and security landscape necessitates India to be more adaptable in its maximalist position and consider initiating a dialogue with the Taliban.