India-Afghanistan Relations- Explained Pointwise

Recently, India’s foreign secretary meets the Taliban minister for the first time in Dubai January 2025. India-Afghanistan relations have been shaped by geography, history, and strategic interests. Afghanistan has historically served as a bridge between South Asia and Central Asia, fostering trade, cultural exchanges, and political alliances. However, its geopolitical significance has also made it a hotspot for great power rivalries.

In recent years, India has emerged as a key partner in Afghanistan’s development and stabilization efforts. The return of the Taliban in 2021 marked a significant turning point, prompting India to recalibrate its policy to safeguard its strategic interests and historical ties.

What is the historical background of Indo-Afghan Relations?

Ancient Links and Cultural Exchange

1. Indus Valley Civilization: Indo-Afghan relations trace back to the Indus Valley Civilization, with trade and cultural exchanges flourishing between the two regions.
2. Silk Road Connection: Afghanistan’s position on the Silk Road facilitated trade and cultural exchanges between India and Central Asia.
3. Shared Heritage: The Gandhara civilization, based in modern-day Afghanistan, influenced Indian art and culture, notably in Buddhist sculptures like the Bamiyan Buddhas.
4. Religious and Epic References: Ancient Indian texts like the Mahabharata and Rigveda mention Afghanistan, underscoring longstanding ties. Emperor Ashoka’s efforts to spread Buddhism to Afghanistan further highlight historical connections.

Medieval Period and Islamic Empires

1. Durrani Empire: Under Ahmad Shah Durrani in the mid-18th century, Afghanistan became a regional power influencing Indo-Afghan ties.
2. Mughal Empire: Afghan rulers like Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, shaped Indian history, bringing Indo-Persian art, architecture, and literature into India.

British Period (19th-20th Century)

1. Anglo-Afghan Wars: British India’s attempts to control Afghanistan as a buffer state against Russia strained regional dynamics.
2. Partition of India: Post-1947, Afghanistan refused to recognize Pakistan’s creation, supporting Pashtun autonomy and influencing Indo-Afghan relations.

Post-Independence and Cold War Period

1. 1947-1979: India maintained friendly ties with Afghanistan, formalized by the Indo-Afghan Friendship Treaty (1950).
2. Soviet Invasion (1979-1989): India supported Soviet-backed Afghan governments, while Pakistan and the U.S. aided Mujahideen forces.
3. Kandahar Hijacking Incident (1999): The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 highlighted security concerns with the Taliban regime.

Post-Taliban Era (2001-Present)

1. Strategic Partnership: India invested heavily in Afghanistan’s reconstruction, funding infrastructure projects like the Zaranj-Delaram Highway and Afghan Parliament Building.
2. Challenges Post-2021: The Taliban’s return has strained relations, forcing India to evacuate its embassy and recalibrate its approach.

What is the importance of Afghanistan to India?

Afghanistan holds significant political, strategic, and economic importance for India:

Geostrategic Significance

1. Gateway to Central Asia: Afghanistan serves as a vital link for India’s access to energy-rich Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
2. Countering Pakistan’s Influence: A stable Afghanistan reduces Pakistan’s strategic depth, supporting India’s geopolitical interests.
3. Chabahar Port Connectivity: India’s investment in Iran’s Chabahar Port facilitates trade with Afghanistan, circumventing Pakistan.

Regional Security

1. Terrorism Concerns: Afghanistan’s stability directly impacts India’s security, especially concerning cross-border terrorism and groups like the Haqqani network.
2. Taliban-Pakistan Nexus: A Taliban-dominated Afghanistan raises fears of increased Pakistani influence and destabilization in Kashmir.

Economic Significance

1. Trade and Transit: India-Afghanistan air freight corridors and the Chabahar Port boost bilateral trade.
2. Natural Resources: Afghanistan’s rich reserves of minerals like lithium, copper, and rare earths present opportunities for India.

What are the areas of engagement between India- Afghanistan?

Developmental Assistance

1. Infrastructure Projects:
   • Zaranj-Delaram Highway: Connects Afghanistan to the Iranian border.
   • Salma Dam: Provides irrigation and electricity.
   • Afghan Parliament Building: A symbol of bilateral cooperation.
2. Healthcare and Education: India has built hospitals and provided scholarships for Afghan students.

Trade and Economic Relations

1. Air Freight Corridor: Facilitates direct trade bypassing Pakistan.
2. Chabahar Port: Enhances Afghanistan’s connectivity to global markets.

Regional Security and Counterterrorism

1. Capacity Building: India trains Afghan security forces to counter terrorism.
2. Taliban Dynamics: India cautiously engages with the Taliban, focusing on its security concerns.

Humanitarian Assistance

1. Crisis Support: India has provided food grains and COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan.
2. Community Projects: Over 200 programs, including schools and water supply systems, have been implemented.

What are the roadblocks in India-Afghanistan relations?

Political Instability in Afghanistan

1. Taliban Takeover (2021): The lack of an inclusive government complicates bilateral ties.
2. Uncertain Governance: India’s projects face risks under the Taliban regime.

Security and Pakistan Factor

1. Strategic Depth Doctrine: Pakistan’s influence over the Taliban undermines India’s interests.
2. Cross-Border Terrorism: Taliban-Pakistan ties threaten Kashmir’s stability.

Geographic Connectivity Barrier

1. Geographic Disconnect: India lacks direct land access to Afghanistan.
2. Limited Air Corridors: Air freight corridors are not a comprehensive solution

Drug trafficking

Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer of opium, and the drug trade has contributed to instability and violence in the region, affecting both India and Afghanistan.

How should India reshape its relations with Taliban-led Afghanistan?

Strategic Recalibration

1. No Recognition Yet: India has not recognized the Taliban regime, advocating for an inclusive government.
2. Assistance-Driven Approach: India prioritizes humanitarian aid over military involvement.

Cautious Diplomacy

1. Embassy Operations: India resumed limited operations in June 2022 for assistance activities.
2. High-Level Engagements: India’s foreign secretary met the Taliban foreign minister in Dubai (2025), signaling cautious engagement.

Adherence to UN Resolutions

1. Guiding Principles: India aligns its policy with UN Security Council Resolution 2593, advocating peace, counterterrorism, and human rights.

Recent Developments

1. Development Projects: Discussions on re-engaging in Afghan development initiatives have begun.
2. Taliban Acknowledgment: The Taliban has appreciated India’s humanitarian efforts, indicating a potential thaw in relations.

Conclusion

India’s relationship with Afghanistan is deeply rooted in history and shaped by strategic interests. Despite challenges, India remains committed to fostering stability, development, and regional peace in Afghanistan. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, India’s cautious yet proactive approach will be crucial in safeguarding its interests while contributing to Afghanistan’s reconstruction and stability.