Context:
Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India marks the first high-level engagement since the Taliban took power in 2021, signaling a potential diplomatic shift. The visit comes amid rising security, geopolitical, and humanitarian concerns in the region.
Key Highlights / Details:
Background of the Visit
- Amir Khan Muttaqi held meetings with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval.
- Travel permitted by UN Security Council sanctions exemption as Muttaqi remains on the sanctions list since 2001.
- India reopened limited diplomatic contact via the technical team at the Indian Embassy in Kabul in 2022.
Strategic Concerns for India
- Taliban’s ties with Pakistan’s ISI and terror outfits like Haqqani Network remain a concern.
- India invested over $3 billion in Afghanistan’s development projects—future security of these investments uncertain.
- Taliban’s rise could embolden terror sanctuaries close to India’s borders.
Policy Position of India
- India emphasized:
- “Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity” – indirect message on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
- Use of Afghan territory not allowed for terrorism.
- Protection of minorities (Hindus, Sikhs) and women in Afghanistan.
- India continues humanitarian engagement—500,000 MT of wheat, medical supplies, vaccines sent.
Meeting with Afghan Minorities
- Delegation of Afghan Hindus and Sikhs met Taliban FM in New Delhi.
- They agreed to return to Afghanistan only if safety of life, property, and religious sites is guaranteed by Taliban.
Regional Geopolitics
- Other regional players—China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asian countries—have already engaged deeply with Taliban.
- India’s engagement shifts from isolation to pragmatic diplomacy driven by security and economic interests.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- UN 1988 Sanctions Regime – sanctions Taliban leaders.
- Haqqani Network – designated terrorist organization with links to Pakistan.
- Durand Line – disputed border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Relevant Mains Points:
- India’s strategic dilemma: engage Taliban or risk losing influence in Afghanistan.
- Security implications of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan for India.
- India’s role in regional counter-terror architecture.
- Balancing humanitarian assistance with strategic interests.