The recent events unfolding in Afghanistan have caught the attention of international bodies, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). As per the UNSC’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, it has been observed that foreign terrorist organisations continue to find safe haven under Taliban’s regime. This conclusion is drawn from the first report formulated after Taliban’s resurgence to power in August 2021. The data collected for this report came through consultations with UN member states, international and regional organisations, private sector financial institutions, and the work of bodies like the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
The Role of UNSC’s Monitoring Team and India’s Position
The UNSC monitoring team assists in providing necessary analytical support to the UNSC sanctions committee. Their report plays a pivotal role in shaping the UN strategy towards Afghanistan. Currently, India holds the chair of the sanctions committee, making it an integral part of these discussions. The committee comprises all the 15 UNSC members.
India’s Approach towards Afghanistan Post-Taliban Regime
India’s approach towards Afghanistan post the Taliban takeover has been cautious and strategic. The country is deliberating on three broad measures for engaging with Afghanistan – providing humanitarian assistance, exploring joint counterterrorism efforts with other partners, and initiating talks with the Taliban. These steps aim at restoring people-to-people connections and preventing any losses to the developmental aid provided by India to Afghanistan over the past two decades.
The Impact of Terrorism on Indo-Afghan Relations
The threat of terrorism emanating from Pakistan greatly affects India’s policies towards Afghanistan. India has consistently expressed concerns about the possible establishment of a terror corridor stretching from eastern Afghanistan to Kashmir. Therefore, counterterrorism initiatives are likely to play a vital role in shaping India’s stance towards Afghanistan.
The Significance of Afghanistan for India
Afghanistan holds immense economic and strategic importance for India due to its abundance of oil and mineral resources, and geographical location. Its position on the historic Silk Road makes it a key commercial connector between Asian countries, Europe and beyond. Additionally, India has a vested interest in Afghanistan’s security situation due to the ongoing threat of state-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan-supported terrorist groups operating in the region.
India’s Developmental Projects in Afghanistan
India’s developmental initiatives in Afghanistan have been significant and wide-ranging, with over 400 infrastructure projects across all Afghan provinces. Key projects include the Afghan Parliament building, the Zaranj-Delaram Highway, and the Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam).
India’s Future Strategy in Afghanistan
International and regional consensus echoes India’s cautious stance on officially recognising the Taliban-led Afghanistan. However, India realises the importance of retaining influence in the region. There have been challenges to convene stakeholders and formulate a unified regional response to the Taliban, with countries like Pakistan and China pursuing alternative approaches.
India’s strategy towards Afghanistan needs to be realistic, acknowledging both short-term and long-term goals. Necessary adjustments will be needed in order to maintain a strategically sustainable Afghanistan policy. The situation requires continuous monitoring and careful policymaking to prevent further regional instability.