Pakistan, China and Afghanistan agree to extend CPEC to Kabul

Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations

Context

• The foreign ministers of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan agreed to expand their cooperation in multiple fields, including extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Kabul.

Objectives of the Trilateral meetings

• Connectivity and Economic Integration:
  • Extend CPEC into Afghanistan, linking it to Central Asian markets.
  • Completion of railway lines connecting Afghanistan to Pakistan.
  • Exploration of Afghan mineral resources with Chinese investment.
• Political and Diplomatic Normalisation:
  • Upgrade diplomatic representation between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
  • Bring Taliban formally into the BRI framework despite lack of global recognition.
• Security Cooperation: Pakistan wants Afghanistan’s Taliban government to act against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which operates from Afghan soil and frequently attacks Pakistani security forces.
  • China has voiced concern over the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), accusing its fighters of using Afghan territory to launch attacks against China.

Significance of the meeting for concerned countries

• For China: 
  • Securing CPEC and BRI Projects: China wants to ensure the smooth progress of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is central to its Belt and Road Initiative. Instability in Pakistan and Afghanistan threatens Chinese investments.
  • Expanding Economic Footprint: By including Afghanistan, China can access Central Asia’s trade routes and tap into Afghanistan’s mineral wealth.
  • Regional Influence: The meeting strengthens China’s image as a mediator and power broker in South Asia after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
• For Afghanistan (Taliban Regime):
  • Political Legitimacy: Taliban remains internationally unrecognised. Participation in Chinese-led platforms gives it diplomatic visibility and quasi-legitimacy.
  • Economic Benefits: Extension of CPEC promises infrastructure, trade routes, and investment, much-needed for Afghanistan’s struggling economy.
  • Balancing Regional Relations: Engagement with both Pakistan and China helps Taliban reduce isolation and project itself as a serious regional actor.
• For Pakistan:
  • Security Concerns: Pakistan faces rising attacks from TTP fighters based in Afghanistan. The trilateral provides a channel to press the Taliban to act against them.
  • Reviving CPEC: Political instability and militant attacks slowed down CPEC projects. Chinese involvement is vital to revive economic momentum.
  • Diplomatic Leverage: By being central to both China and Afghanistan’s connectivity ambitions, Pakistan reinforces its role as a gateway to Central Asia.

Impact on India

• Sovereignty Concerns: India has consistently opposed the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
  • Any expansion of CPEC into Afghanistan further entrenches Pakistan and China’s projects in disputed territory, undermining India’s claims.
• Strategic Marginalisation: The trilateral excludes India, despite its historic role in Afghan development (infrastructure, Parliament building, hospitals).
• Security Challenges: Stronger China–Pakistan–Afghanistan alignment could embolden extremist elements hostile to India, especially if Taliban legitimisation continues without conditions.
• Connectivity Competition: China’s push for westward connectivity undermines Indian alternatives such as the Chabahar Port project and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Way Ahead for India

• Strategic Autonomy and Balancing: Continue selective engagement with China, maintain dialogue with the US, and strengthen ties with Russia, EU, and Indo-Pacific partners.
• Deeper Engagement with Afghanistan: Use humanitarian aid, infrastructure projects, and educational diplomacy to retain goodwill among Afghan people.
  • Engage Taliban pragmatically without granting premature recognition, ensuring Indian security concerns are raised consistently.
• Enhanced Security Cooperation: Expand counterterror cooperation with SCO members, Central Asia, and even Taliban interlocutors where necessary, to prevent Afghan soil from being used against India.
• Connectivity Alternatives: Accelerated work on Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to provide a counter-route linking India with Central Asia and Europe.

Concluding remarks

• The China–Pakistan–Afghanistan trilateral reflects China’s bid to secure its economic and security interests in South Asia. 
• India must carefully calibrate its diplomacy—balancing engagement with global and regional powers, while advancing alternative connectivity and security frameworks that safeguard its national interests.

Source: TH