The current geopolitical scenario involving Afghanistan, its relations with India, and the implications thereof, have been subject to intense discussions worldwide. Recently, the National Security Advisor (NSG) tackled these matters in a Multilateral Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in Moscow. The dialogue primarily concerned turbulence in Afghanistan, discussing potential solutions to the prevalent security and humanitarian challenges.
About the Multilateral Security Dialogue in Moscow
The meeting saw participation from various nations including Russia, China, and Iran. Key highlights of the dialogue included the NSG emphasizing the prohibition of using Afghan territory for exporting terrorism. The NSG also underscored India’s unwavering support for Afghanistan during trying times. The importance of UN Security Council resolution 2593 was highlighted, which promotes the denial of sanctuary to terror outfits in the region.
Insights into India-Afghanistan Relations
India and Afghanistan enjoy historical, cultural, and economic ties that span across centuries. This relationship has seen a dynamic shift in the post-9/11 era, especially with India’s escalated involvement in Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development.
Political Relations
As a staunch advocate for Afghan democracy, India has persistently lobbied for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan. Despite not officially recognizing the Taliban regime, India supports the formation of an inclusive government in Kabul. Reinforcing this, India reestablished its diplomatic presence in Kabul in June 2022.
Humanitarian Assistance
India’s humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan is robust, ranging from providing 40,000 metric tonnes of wheat, 60 tonnes of medicine, half million COVID-19 vaccines, winter clothing, to 28 tonnes of disaster relief. Adding to this, over 2,260 Afghan students, including 300 girls, have benefitted from Indian scholarships in the past two years.
Economic Relations and Connectivity
With more than 400 key infrastructure projects across all 34 Afghan provinces, India’s commitment towards Afghanistan’s development is evident. India has expended USD 4 billion in development assistance from 2002 to 2021, contributing to building highways, hospitals, schools, and other infrastructures. On the connectivity front, India endeavors to boost regional connectivity by developing the Chabahar port, providing access to markets in the region.
The Significance of Afghanistan for India
Geographically located at the convergence of Central and South Asia, Afghanistan’s stability directly influences India’s interests. Afghanistan serves as a critical factor for India’s regional connectivity pursuit and economic integration aspirations. Given Afghanistan’s history with terrorism, India has a direct interest in ensuring that it doesn’t become a safe haven for terrorists. Strategically, Afghanistan is important to India as it helps counterbalance the influence of Pakistan and China in the region.
Relevance of Afghanistan in UPSC Examinations
Owing to its strategic significance, Afghanistan frequently appears in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. For example, in the Prelims 2022, one of the questions was related to the countries sharing borders with Afghanistan. In 2013 too, a Mains question was about the withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan and the subsequent security implications.
