Introduction of India-Afghanistan Relations
- India and Afghanistan have shared a longstanding relationship that is rooted in deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties.
- From ancient trade routes to modern geopolitical shifts, the two countries’ connection has always been crucial.
- As Afghanistan’s political landscape shifts once again with the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, India faces new challenges in balancing its historical ties with the need to safeguard its strategic interests in the region.
- The Taliban has recently called India a “significant regional and economic partner” after a meeting was held between senior foreign ministry officials of the two countries, the highest such talks since the Afghan group’s takeover of Kabul in 2021.
Historical Background of Indo-Afghan Relations
- Ancient Ties and Cultural Exchange:
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- The roots of India-Afghanistan relations go back to the Indus Valley Civilization, where early trade and cultural exchanges were pivotal in connecting the two regions. Afghanistan, located on the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia, played a significant role in facilitating the movement of goods, ideas, and culture.
- The Gandhara civilization, which thrived in modern-day Afghanistan, profoundly influenced Indian art, particularly Buddhist sculptures like the Bamiyan Buddhas. Ancient Indian texts, such as the Mahabharata and the Rigveda, mention Afghanistan, indicating a deep cultural and historical connection. Emperor Ashoka’s efforts to spread Buddhism into Afghanistan further strengthened these bonds.
- Medieval Period and the Rise of Islamic Empires:
- Afghanistan continued to play an important role in Indo-Afghan relations during the medieval period, particularly under the Durrani Empire in the 18th century. This empire established Afghanistan as a regional power. Afghanistan also had a significant impact during the Mughal era.
- Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, had Afghan roots and played a crucial role in shaping India’s political and cultural landscape. The Mughal period saw the flourishing of Indo-Persian cultural exchanges, which greatly influenced art, architecture, and literature in both regions.
- British Colonial Period and the Cold War:
- In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Afghanistan became a focal point in the rivalry between the British Empire and Tsarist Russia, leading to the Anglo-Afghan Wars. These wars shaped the region’s political dynamics.
- After India’s independence in 1947, Afghanistan refused to recognize Pakistan’s creation, leading to tensions with the newly formed state. This period saw Afghanistan supporting the Pashtun autonomy movement, which further complicated the regional relations.
- Soviet Era and Cold War Impact:
- Post-independence, India maintained cordial relations with Afghanistan. Formally, India signed a “Friendship Treaty” with Afghanistan in 1950.
- India’s support for the Soviet-backed Afghan government during the Soviet invasion (1979-1989) was a critical point of alignment in their Cold War politics. Meanwhile, Pakistan, supported by the United States, backed the Afghan Mujahideen.
- The Kandahar Hijacking Incident in 1999, which involved the Taliban hijacking an Indian Airlines flight, underscored the growing security concerns regarding Afghanistan’s governance under the Taliban.
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Why Afghanistan is Vital to India?
- Geostrategic Importance:
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- Afghanistan occupies a critical geopolitical position, acting as a gateway to Central Asia, a region rich in energy resources. For India, Afghanistan provides an alternative route to access these resources, bypassing Pakistan, which historically controls the land route to Central Asia.
- India has heavily invested in the Chabahar Port in Iran to facilitate trade with Afghanistan, thus reducing dependence on Pakistan and increasing its influence in the region.
- Countering Pakistan’s Influence:
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- A stable Afghanistan is vital for India as it helps counterbalance Pakistan’s strategic depth in the region. Afghanistan’s ties with Pakistan, especially under the Taliban regime, have raised concerns in India.
- The Taliban’s influence in Afghanistan potentially strengthens Pakistan’s position, particularly in the Kashmir conflict, a long-standing issue between the two nations.
- Regional Security Threats:
- Afghanistan’s political instability directly affects India’s security, especially in terms of cross-border terrorism. The resurgence of groups like the Haqqani Network, which has deep ties to both the Taliban and Pakistan, threatens India’s internal security.
- A Taliban-controlled Afghanistan could lead to further destabilization in Kashmir, exacerbating tensions between India and Pakistan.
- Economic Opportunities and Trade:
- Afghanistan is rich in natural resources, including lithium, copper, and rare earths. India stands to benefit greatly by investing in these resources, contributing to its economic growth.
- Additionally, India’s establishment of the India-Afghanistan air freight corridor and the development of the Chabahar Port have helped boost bilateral trade. These economic initiatives also allow Afghanistan to bypass Pakistan for international trade, benefiting both countries.
Areas of Engagement Between India and Afghanistan
- Political Relations:
- High-level political engagement between India and Afghanistan is reflected in numerous bilateral high-level visits.
- The 2011 India-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement reaffirmed India’s commitment to assist in rebuilding Afghanistan’s infrastructure, enhancing institutions, providing education and technical capacity-building, and encouraging investment.
- In 2022, India reopened its Embassy in Kabul by deploying a “technical team” to re-establish its presence in Afghanistan.
- Developmental Assistance:
- India has invested over USD 3 billion in Afghanistan for development projects, including:
- Salma Dam: The Afghan-India Friendship Dam in Herat Province, completed in 2016, provides hydropower and irrigation.
- Zaranj-Delaram Highway: A 218-km highway connecting Zaranj near the Iran border, offering an alternative trade route via Chabahar port.
- Parliament Building: Built at a cost of $90 million, with a block named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Power Infrastructure: Includes a 220kV DC transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul and restored telecommunications in various provinces.
- Transportation: India gifted urban buses, utility vehicles, military vehicles, ambulances, and Air India aircraft to Afghanistan.
- Trade and Economic Collaboration:
- India and Afghanistan have strengthened their economic ties through the establishment of the air freight corridor and the Chabahar Port.
- These initiatives have significantly boosted trade, offering Afghanistan access to global markets while bypassing Pakistan. India has also been involved in the construction of roads, bridges, and railways, enhancing Afghanistan’s connectivity and trade potential.
- Through a Preferential Trade Agreement, India provides duty-free access to Afghan goods like dried figs, pistachios, roasted pine nuts, fresh melons, asafoetida, and gemstones such as lapis lazuli and emeralds.
- To boost entrepreneurship and small-to-medium business cooperation, India extended a $50 million line of credit to Afghanistan.
- Regional Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation:
- India and Afghanistan collaborate in various international multilateral platforms, including SAARC.
- India has supported Afghanistan in building its security infrastructure, particularly in terms of counterterrorism.
- India’s security cooperation has been vital in helping Afghanistan combat insurgent groups. India continues to train Afghan security forces, improving their capacity to deal with terrorism and ensuring regional stability.
- Defence Cooperation:
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- India supplied Afghanistan with three Russia-made Mi-25 attack helicopters in 2015 and 2016.
- Humanitarian Assistance:
- India supports the daily supply of 100 grams of fortified, high-protein biscuits to nearly 2 million Afghan children through the World Food Programme.
- India provided Afghanistan with 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and 75,000 tonnes of wheat during the pandemic.
- It reconstructed the Indira Gandhi Institute for Child Health in Kabul and built clinics in several Afghan border provinces.
- India sent earthquake relief assistance to Afghanistan after a devastating earthquake near Khost killed over 1,000 people.
- India offers 675 long-term university scholarships annually for Afghan students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in India.
- Under the CAP programme, India deputed 20 civil servants as coaches and mentors for Afghan public administration in collaboration with UNDP.
- India has also partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Afghanistan to provide assistance for the welfare of Afghan drug user population, especially women.
Challenges in India-Afghanistan Relations
- Political Instability:
- The political instability caused by the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has significantly complicated India’s diplomatic relations with Afghanistan.
- The lack of an inclusive government and the Taliban’s oppressive policies, particularly towards women and minority groups, make it difficult for India to engage fully with Afghanistan while maintaining its commitment to human rights and regional stability.
- Security Concerns:
- Pakistan’s influence over the Taliban is a significant roadblock for India. The ongoing threat of cross-border terrorism, especially from groups like the Haqqani Network, poses a direct threat to India’s security. The Taliban’s close relationship with Pakistan further exacerbates these concerns, particularly with regard to the Kashmir region.
- Terrorism poses a persistent concern, with both India and Afghanistan targeted by terrorist organisations, including Al-Qaeda, which continues to operate in the region.
- Geographic and Logistical Barriers:
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- India’s lack of direct land access to Afghanistan remains a major obstacle in enhancing trade and connectivity.
- Although the air freight corridor and Chabahar Port have alleviated some of these challenges, geographical disconnects still hinder the smooth flow of goods and services between the two nations.
- Drug Trafficking:
- Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer of opium, contributing to a significant drug trade that fuels instability in the region.
- This illegal trade also has negative consequences for India, which has seen rising instances of drug trafficking linked to Afghanistan.
- China:
- The increasing involvement of China in Afghanistan has raised concerns for India. Following the withdrawal of US forces, China pledged $31 million in emergency humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, strengthening its ties with the Taliban regime through prompt delivery of food and medical supplies.
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s surprise visit to Kabul before his trip to India in March 2022 further deepened political and economic engagement between China and Afghanistan.
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Way Forward
- Strategic Recalibration: India has refrained from recognizing the Taliban’s rule, focusing instead on advocating for an inclusive government that respects human rights. India’s policy emphasizes humanitarian aid over military involvement, aligning with its long-term goal of stabilizing Afghanistan and supporting its reconstruction efforts.
- Cautious Diplomacy: India’s diplomatic approach has been cautious but proactive. After suspending its embassy operations in Kabul in 2021, India resumed limited diplomatic engagement in 2022, focusing on humanitarian and development assistance. The meeting between India’s foreign secretary and the Taliban foreign minister in Dubai in January 2025 is an example of India’s cautious engagement with the Taliban.
- Adherence to UN Resolutions: India has remained committed to the principles of international law, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 2593, which emphasizes peace, counterterrorism, and the protection of human rights in Afghanistan. India’s approach is in line with the broader international community’s stance on Afghanistan’s future.
- Recent Developments: There are signs of a potential thaw in India-Taliban relations, particularly after the Taliban acknowledged India’s humanitarian contributions. Discussions have also resumed regarding India’s involvement in Afghanistan’s development initiatives, especially in areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
