Relooking at Kabul

Introduction

Afghanistan links South and Central Asia and often draws great-power rivalry. In 2021, the Taliban took power after a change of government. India then reset its approach: humanitarian aid first, a small technical team in Kabul, and no formal recognition—aimed at protecting interests and historical ties without overreach. After Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit on 10 October 2025, India seeks forward engagement that is people-centric and interest-driven: practical cooperation, a restored diplomatic presence via a chargé d’affaires, expanded trade through the air-freight corridor, and quiet, issue-based security coordination—while avoiding premature recognition and navigating shifting regional pressures. Relooking at Kabul.

India’s Diplomatic Strategy

1. Embassy status (Kabul): India is preparing to reopen its embassy in Kabul, beginning with a chargé d’affaires rather than a full ambassador.
2. Recognition signal: This step indicates engagement without formal recognition. In New Delhi, the Afghan mission will likely be run by Taliban-appointed staff and fly the Emirate flag, reflecting de facto dealings and not de jure recognition.
3. Policy principles: India is underscoring that Afghans should decide their own security and foreign policy. It is also aligning with the position that Afghanistan should host no foreign military structures.
4. Public messaging: In current remarks, India has not foregrounded human-rights conditionality. The emphasis is on practical channels, steady contact, and continuity of essential cooperation.

Regional Geopolitics & Security Calculus

1. Great-power setting:

• The regional landscape is shifting, as the United States encourages a larger Pakistani role across India’s immediate and extended western neighbourhood..
• China is widening its reach through its Pakistan axis and expanding stakes in Iran and the Gulf.
• Russia has recognised the Taliban and is tightening coordination with Tehran. India must read its west through these intersecting pressures..

2. India– Afghans security overlap:

• India and the Afghans now describe cross-border terrorism as a shared threat.
• This creates room for discreet, issue-based coordination on threat assessment and deconfliction, without any formal alliance or recognition.

3. Pakistan factor

• Afghans are asserting autonomy on India policy and has also refused to hand over leaders of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to Pakistan.
• These actions show that Pakistan’s leverage over the Taliban is limited, despite its past support and sanctuary..

4. Coordination platforms: India participates in the Moscow-led Afghanistan consultations to exchange assessments and shape regional consensus—most notably the line that no foreign military bases or structures should be present in Afghanistan.

What are the areas of engagement between India- Afghanistan?

1. Developmental Assistance

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.

Healthcare:

• India is setting up a Thalassemia Centre and a Modern Diagnostic Centre in Kabul.
• A 30-bed hospital in Bagrami, an Oncology Centre, a Trauma Centre (both in Kabul), and five Maternity Clinics are planned. India gifted 20 ambulances.
• About 75 prosthetic limbs have been fitted for Afghan nationals.

Education: India offers e-ICCR scholarships to Afghan students. More avenues for study in Indian universities are under consideration.

2. Trade and Economic Relations

Air Freight Corridor: The India–Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor has started. It will streamline connectivity and raise bilateral trade.

Chabahar Port: Enhances Afghanistan’s connectivity to global markets.

Mining and Investment: Afghanistan has invited Indian companies to invest in the mining sector.

3. Regional Security and Counterterrorism

Capacity Building: India trains Afghan security forces to counter terrorism.

Taliban Dynamics: India cautiously engages with the Taliban, focusing on its security concerns.

4. Humanitarian Assistance

Crisis Support: India has provided food grains and COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan.

Community Projects: Over 200 programs, including schools and water supply systems, have been implemented.

Disaster Relief and Reconstruction: India acted as a first responder after the Nangarhar and Kunar earthquake. India is willing to help reconstruct residential buildings in affected areas.

5. Sports and Culture
6. Both sides will strengthen cooperation in sports, especially cricket.
7. Visa liberalisation : Afghanistan seeks greater visa liberalisation for students and patients. India can expand access subject to security checks. Easier mobility strengthens societal ties.

Conclusion

India’s Afghanistan policy must blend realism with restraint. Engage the de facto authority to protect core interests, but avoid premature recognition. Prioritise people-centric cooperation—food, health, education, visas—and complete stalled projects that deliver quick benefits. Build quiet security coordination against cross-border threats, while signalling support for Afghan sovereignty and “no foreign bases.” A calibrated, sustained presence in Kabul will help India manage great-power competition, balance Pakistan-linked risks, and create stable avenues for long-term partnership.