India engagement with Afghan Taliban

Synopsis- India has to be realistic. It has to come to terms with the reality that the Taliban have an upper hand and they might actually come to power.

Introduction-

• • Indian officials have met and held discussions with the Taliban representatives in Doha ahead of the complete withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan
  • This is opportunity for India to reduce Pakistan’s option for playing mischief and protecting its investment in Afghanistan.

Probable motive of India

• • To prevent Pakistan from using Afghanistan as strategic depth against India once the US leaves.
    • Pakistan, as one of the three nations that recognize the Taliban’s government in Afghanistan, has been a key player in the Afghan peace process.
    • A Taliban takeover would certainly empower Pakistan to deploy its Afghan proxies against India, perhaps affecting Kashmir.
  • India also tries to protect its investment in Afghanistan-
    • India has invested billions of dollars in Afghanistan as it seeks to strengthen its role in the war-torn country.
    • Major development projects–
      • Shahtoot dam, which is expected to cost $250 million.
      • Afghan Parliament, Zaranj-Delaram Highway, and Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam),
      • Along with India’s assistance of more than $3 billion in projects, hundreds of small development projects of schools, hospitals, and water projects.

Way forward-

• Given the level of investment, India has made in Afghanistan, India cannot rely on a multilateral approach to protect its interests. In this scenario, India must continue to engage with Taliban.

Source- Times of India