India’s recent high-level diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban government marks a pivotal shift in its regional strategy. This outreach, three years after Kabul’s fall to the Taliban, reflects New Delhi’s evolving approach to the geopolitical realities of South and Central Asia.
In Dubai, India’s Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri met with Taliban acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, signaling India’s intent to engage more directly with the regime. For India, this move is not merely about rebuilding ties but securing its strategic interests, including trade, security, and regional influence.
The fall of Kabul in 2021 had been a severe blow to India’s investments in Afghanistan. Decades of efforts, including $3 billion worth of development projects and educational scholarships, were undone overnight, paving the way for increased influence from Pakistan and China. Yet, as tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan rise highlighted by recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory India sees an opportunity to counter Pakistan’s influence and regain a foothold in the region.
One significant aspect of this outreach is the potential expansion of trade through Iran’s Chabahar port, which provides India with vital connectivity to Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. For the Taliban, aligning with India offers economic benefits and an opportunity to gain de facto international legitimacy.
While some experts, like Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center, see this as a diplomatic win for the Taliban, India’s move is calculated. By maintaining engagement, India aims to counter security threats, foster goodwill among the Afghan populace, and secure its strategic interests without formally recognizing the regime.
However, the risks are evident. The Taliban’s governance remains marred by violence, human rights abuses, and ties to terror groups. Critics question the reliability of such a partner. Nonetheless, India’s pragmatic approach underscores its long-term vision of balancing influence, connectivity, and security in a complex regional landscape.
Ultimately, India’s engagement hinges on cautious diplomacy, as it navigates a challenging but potentially rewarding relationship with Taliban-led Afghanistan.
