India Afghanistan Ties: In a surprising turn in the geopolitics of South Asia, Afghanistan’s Taliban regime seems to be strengthening ties with India. The Taliban’s visit of Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi has sent tremors around the region, especially in Pakistan, where worry is growing that the country may lose its historical influence over Kabul.
1. India-Taliban Relations
Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, and India has cautiously engaged with the Taliban government through humanitarian assistance and limited diplomatic engagement. However, the visit by Muttaqi is a step forward. The visit is a sign that the Taliban is diversifying relationships.
2. Security Talks: Counter-Terrorism and Mutual Assurances
Reports suggest that during the discussions, India requested commitments on the use of Afghan territory for anti-India terrorism. Taliban officials have made statements emphasising their commitment.
3. Economic and Trade Potential: Chabahar Port and Connectivity
Within the discussions, a central aspect related to trade routes and infrastructure is discussed. Given Afghanistan’s increasingly intense need for ongoing aid and investment from India, the Chabahar Port project—developed collaboratively by India and Iran—could become a key alternative to trade corridors through Pakistan. Improved visa arrangements for Afghan traders, students, and patients have also been discussed, in an indication of renewed dialogue and people-to-people connection.
4. Regional Politics: Why Pakistan Feels It Has Lost Its Influence
Pakistan has historically viewed Afghanistan as its strategic depth; however, the Taliban’s amicable turn toward India has challenged Pakistan’s positional strength. Islamabad fears the loss of influence and leverage. Shifts in allegiances may cause Pakistan’s own tolerance parameters on the Afghan border to be challenged as well.
5. Trump’s Concerns and US Perspective
Former President Donald Trump’s candid comments about Afghanistan and the potential for control of assets such as Bagram Airbase have gained additional attention and situational awareness in Washington. The US believes India may play a stabilising role at the same time, risking not being able to engage with the Taliban, given India’s burgeoning relationship with the Taliban.
6. Challenges Ahead: Recognising, Rights of, and Realpolitik
India Afghanistan Ties: India had made movement toward formally recognising the Taliban occupation of Afghanistan. Human rights issues, especially concerning women, are an important consideration. Pakistan’s response will be a key variable shaping future regional collaboration or confrontation. For India, it is critical that the leadership practice caution in their diplomatic efforts and conditional engagement with the Taliban Government, especially in relation to strategic and moral imperatives.
The visit to India of the Taliban Minister may create an alteration of power and prestige in South Asia, propose new influence reinvigorated by trade for India while developing security cooperation, and represent a strategic miscalculation for Pakistan in relation to its previous, dominant monopoly over the affairs of Afghanistan. Of course, it is to be determined whether the new relationship structure is strategy-limited or a new paradigm.
