India rethinks ties with Taliban in Afghanistan

Source: The post India rethinks ties with Taliban in Afghanistan has been created, based on the article “The ‘Great Abandonment’ of Afghanistan” published in “The Hindu” on 26th March 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: The article analyzes India’s evolving engagement with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal. It examines the shift from support for democratic Afghan governments to reluctant dealings with the Taliban, raising concerns about abandoning democratic allies, human rights, and the long-term strategic risks for India.

For detailed information on India-Afghanistan Relations read this article here

U.S. approach to Ukraine remind Afghans past

1. Similarities in Withdrawal: The U.S. pullout from Afghanistan, which led to the fall of the elected government and the rise of the Taliban, is paralleled by a perceived reduction in U.S. commitment to Ukraine, as suggested by recent interactions between U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
2. Direct Negotiations with Adversaries: Just as the U.S. initiated talks directly with the Taliban in 2018 without involving the Afghan government, there is a concern that similar diplomatic moves could happen in Ukraine, undermining the local government’s position.
3. Impact of U.S. Policy Shifts: The Doha Accords of 2020, favoring the Taliban without securing commitments for a political process or human rights, remind Afghans of possible similar outcomes in other regions where the U.S. modifies its foreign policy stance.

Taliban’s return changed life inside Afghanistan

1. Taliban 2.0 (2021-present) holds tighter control over Afghanistan and treats women more harshly than before.
2. Girls are banned from schools, colleges, workplaces, and even public view.
3. This reverses gains from 2001–2021, when women worked in many sectors and one even ran for President.
4. The regime remains unrecognized globally, but countries like Russia, China, and Pakistan have embraced it diplomatically.
5. The U.S. and Europe have disengaged, cutting aid and support.
6. Economic mismanagement and the freezing of USAID and Chabahar access have deepened the crisis, worsening life for ordinary Afghans.

India’s Shifting Stance

1. Initially, India closed its embassy in Kabul and avoided formal recognition of the Taliban regime. But by 2022, it had reopened a technical mission.

2. In 2025, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri publicly met the Taliban’s Acting Foreign Minister.
3. Reports suggest India may now allow a Taliban-appointed ambassador in Delhi and expand engagement to resume development work.

Reasons for India’s Outreach

1. Pragmatism and Realpolitik: Officials argue the Taliban’s prolonged control makes engagement necessary, though the regime’s internal divisions and governance failures challenge its permanence.
2. Aid Delivery Argument: It is claimed that working with the Taliban is required to help Afghans, but historical precedents show aid can be routed through other agencies.
3. Strategic Space: Some fear India may lose influence as other regional powers deepen ties. However, the Taliban’s ideological hostility and past attacks on Indian interests suggest this may not yield real strategic gains.

Way Forward

1. India should not isolate exiled Afghan democrats.
2. It should raise concerns about women’s rights, support platforms for political opposition, and remain engaged across the political spectrum.
3. Rebuilding ties with democratic forces is important for long-term relevance and regional stability.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s approach towards the Taliban regime has evolved since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the strategic factors influencing this shift.