India’s engagement with the Taliban and its impact

Source: The post India’s engagement with the Taliban and its impact has been created, based on the article “New Delhi’s perilous recalibration with the Taliban” published in “The Hindu” on 18th March 2025. India’s engagement with the Taliban and its impact.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: India is moving toward formal engagement with the Taliban, with reports that the Modi government may allow the regime to appoint an envoy in New Delhi. This follows a high-level meeting between India’s Foreign Secretary and the Taliban’s ‘Foreign Minister’ in Dubai. The move reflects India’s strategic interests despite concerns over human rights violations.

For detailed information on India strengthens ties with Taliban amidst challenges read this article here

India’s Evolving Relationship with the Taliban

1. Reopening of the Indian Embassy in Kabul (June 2022): Marked India’s re-engagement with Afghanistan.
2. Humanitarian Aid & Economic Cooperation: India has provided food and medical aid while exploring trade opportunities.
3. Political Engagement: The January 2024 meeting in Dubai was the first official high-level dialogue, indicating India’s willingness to deepen ties.

Geopolitical Motivations for India’s Engagement

1. Countering China’s Influence: China was the first country to accept a Taliban envoy in 2023. Beijing is funding key infrastructure projects in Afghanistan and is considering including the country in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). If India does not engage, it risks being left behind.
2. Weakening Pakistan’s Influence: Pakistan-Taliban relations have worsened, giving India an opportunity to build strategic ties in Afghanistan. The Taliban is increasingly distancing itself from Islamabad and is engaging with other regional powers, including Russia and several Central Asian states.
3. Strategic Access to Central Asia: Afghanistan serves as a critical gateway to Central Asia, a region rich in energy resources and vital to India’s economic and security interests. Strengthening ties with Kabul could significantly enhance India’s regional connectivity.

Security Risks & Challenges

1. Terrorism Threats from Afghanistan: The Islamic State (IS) is expanding its influence in Afghanistan, targeting both the Taliban and foreign entities. Major attacks include the assassination of Taliban leader Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani (December 2023), threats against the Chinese embassy (2023), and the Moscow terror attack (March 2024), which killed 140 people.
2. Taliban’s Links to Terror Groups: The Taliban has been accused of supporting Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP),which has escalated attacks in Pakistan. In February 2024, the TTP carried out 147 attacks, killing 180 soldiers.Pakistan retaliated with airstrikes on terror camps inside Afghanistan.
3. India’s Own Terrorism Concerns: IS has previously targeted India, including a December 2023 attack on the Indian consulate in Jalalabad. A 2023 UN report warned that IS is recruiting operatives for large-scale attacks in India. Strengthening ties with the Taliban without securing counter-terrorism assurances could put India at greater risk.
4. De Facto Recognition of the Taliban: Accepting a Taliban envoy would imply recognition of the regime, a stance most countries refuse to take. The UN has condemned Taliban policies as “gender apartheid” due to severe restrictions on women’s rights. Aligning with a globally isolated regime could damage India’s international reputation.

Way Forward for India

1. Demanding Counter-Terrorism Commitments:

• India must ensure that the Taliban actively counters IS and severs ties with terror groups like the TTP.
• Afghanistan should not become a safe haven for anti-India terror groups.

2. Balancing Engagement with Caution:

• India must weigh economic and strategic benefits against security risks.
• It should avoid full recognition of the Taliban while keeping diplomatic channels open.

3. Learning from China & Pakistan’s Mistakes:

• China’s investments in Afghanistan have made it a target of IS attacks.
• Pakistan’s past support for the Taliban has backfired, leading to increased terror attacks on its own soil.
• India should engage cautiously, ensuring its interests are protected.

Question for practice:

Examine the geopolitical and security implications of India’s growing engagement with the Taliban.