Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Visited India

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Context

• Afghanistan’s Taliban foreign minister met external affairs minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi.

About

• It is the first high-level diplomatic engagement between India and the Taliban regime since it took power in 2021.
• His visit follows participation in a regional meeting on Afghanistan in Russia, attended by representatives from India, China, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian countries.

India–Taliban Diplomatic Engagement

• Assurance for Terror Concerns: Afghanistan reassured India that it would not allow any group to use its territory against another country—a key security assurance relevant to India’s concerns over terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
• India’s Embassy Reopening: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India would reopen its full embassy in Kabul, upgrading the existing technical mission that was set up in 2022 for humanitarian and trade purposes.
• Diplomatic Context: Around a dozen countries — including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey — already operate embassies in Kabul.
  • India’s decision to reopen its embassy underscores a calibrated re-engagement strategy to protect its strategic and economic interests.

Significance

• Strategic Balance: The move reflects India’s pragmatic approach to maintain influence in Afghanistan amid Pakistan and China’s growing presence.
• Counterterrorism Focus: India’s emphasis on Afghan soil not being used for terrorism directly addresses concerns about groups like LeT and JeM.
• Diplomatic Recognition: While India has not officially recognized the Taliban government, the engagement indicates de facto acknowledgment of its control over Kabul.
• Regional Cooperation: India’s participation in regional formats (like the Moscow Format) underscores its multi-layered approach to Afghan stability.

Why is India Engaging with Taliban Regime in Afghanistan?

• Strategic Realism and Geopolitical Relevance: Taliban’s complete control over Afghanistan since 2021 makes it the de facto authority; engagement is necessary to protect India’s interests.
  • Ignoring Kabul would cede ground to Pakistan and China, both of which have strong influence in the region.
  • Engagement ensures that India remains a relevant regional actor in shaping Afghanistan’s future.
• Security Concerns: India faces the shared threat of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan-backed groups.
  • Taliban has assured India that Afghan soil will not be used against other countries — a key Indian security demand.
• Protecting Past Investments and Development Projects: India has invested over USD 3 billion in Afghan infrastructure, education, and health — including the Zaranj–Delaram highway, Salma (India–Afghanistan Friendship) Dam, and Parliament building.
  • Engagement allows India to safeguard and possibly revive stalled projects.
• Responding to Regional Power Shifts: China has expanded its footprint through mining and infrastructure deals; Russia and Iran also maintain active diplomatic ties with the Taliban.
  • India cannot remain isolated when regional rivals are consolidating influence in Kabul.
• Economic and Connectivity Interests: Afghanistan is central to India’s connectivity with Central Asia, especially via the Chabahar Port in Iran.
  • Long-term engagement could support trade corridors, energy access, and counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

India’s Engagement Strategy with Taliban 

• Engagement without Recognition: India announced reopening its embassy in Kabul, upgrading the existing “technical mission” set up in 2022.
  • A chargé d’affaires will be appointed — indicating non-recognition of the Taliban regime until there is international consensus.
  • This move ensures India’s presence on the ground without appearing aligned with the Russia-China bloc.
• India’s Balancing Act: India joined the Moscow Format consensus that no foreign military presence should exist in Afghanistan.
  • However, India remains careful not to be perceived as siding fully with Russia or China.
  • Maintaining a measured approach prevents friction with the US and Western allies.
• Human Rights and Realpolitik: Unlike past joint statements, India avoided raising human rights issues.
  • It reflects India’s realist diplomacy rather than idealist interventionism. 
  • This change prioritizes India’s national interests, security, and economic growth in a multipolar and often unpredictable world.

Conclusion

• The Taliban’s control over Afghan territory since 2021 is a geopolitical reality the world must accept.
• India’s engagement ensures a strategic foothold in Afghanistan amid Pakistan–China influence.
• A reopened embassy and renewed cooperation reflects a pragmatic shift in its foreign policy.

Source: TH