Afghanistan Times
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Written By,
Dr. Aniruddha Babar.
(Academician, Writer and Independent Researcher. Director, “Project Constitutional Justice- A People’s Initiative”, Tuensang, State of Nagaland, INDIA.)
AT Kabul: India’s prospective re-engagement with Afghanistan under Taliban rule heralds a transformative chapter in the enduring ties between the two nations. In a region long marred by conflict and adversity, this initiative has the potential to rebuild trust, foster economic development, and alleviate the profound humanitarian challenges facing Afghanistan. The Taliban government, recognizing the need for international collaboration, has extended an invitation for cooperation. India, with its legacy of impactful development initiatives and a historical rapport with the Afghan people, is uniquely poised to contribute meaningfully to Afghanistan’s resurgence.
In January 2025, India’s Foreign Secretary, Mr Vikram Misri, engaged in a pivotal dialogue with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Mr Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai. This landmark meeting, the most significant since the political transition in Kabul in 2021, signalled a mutual willingness to revive bilateral relations. The Taliban leadership, in subsequent statements, identified India as a “prominent regional partner,” highlighting its potential to aid Afghanistan’s recovery through trade, infrastructure, and humanitarian initiatives. Such overtures reflect Afghanistan’s aspirations for regional connectivity and underscore India’s importance in realising this vision.
Afghanistan presently stands at a crossroads, seeking stability and progress amidst immense socio-economic challenges. The withdrawal of international forces in 2021, coupled with the imposition of economic sanctions, has strained the nation’s economy and exacerbated the hardships faced by its citizens. Food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and an underdeveloped infrastructure persist as formidable obstacles. In this context, India’s proven expertise in developmental assistance and its history of impactful interventions position it as a trusted partner capable of making a tangible difference.
India’s contributions to Afghanistan’s development have been both extensive and enduring. Over the years, India has invested over $3 billion in a range of projects aimed at enhancing Afghanistan’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare sectors. Iconic endeavours such as the Afghan Parliament building in Kabul, the Salma Dam in Herat, and various rural electrification projects have not only bolstered Afghanistan’s physical landscape but have also profoundly improved the lives of its citizens. The Taliban government’s recent overtures suggest an openness to continuing and expanding upon these initiatives, offering India a valuable opportunity to renew its commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people.
The Taliban administration has repeatedly emphasised its focus on national reconstruction and economic self-reliance. India, with its deep reservoir of technical expertise and experience in development, is ideally suited to support these objectives. For instance, investments in renewable energy, particularly solar power, could address Afghanistan’s acute energy deficits while promoting sustainability. Similarly, agricultural development programmes could enhance food security, create employment opportunities, and empower rural communities, thereby contributing to the government’s vision of a self-reliant Afghanistan.
Moreover, Afghanistan’s healthcare and education systems, both critical to its long-term stability, could greatly benefit from Indian collaboration. The reconstruction of hospitals, clinics, and educational institutions, combined with training programmes for Afghan professionals, would serve to strengthen the nation’s human capital. Educational scholarships, particularly for Afghan youth, could help cultivate a new generation of leaders equipped to guide the nation towards a brighter future.
The strategic potential of enhanced trade between India and Afghanistan cannot be overstated. The Chabahar Port, developed in partnership with Iran, represents a critical gateway for facilitating commerce and connectivity. By leveraging this infrastructure, Afghanistan could gain access to global markets, boosting its economy and integrating more fully into regional supply chains. This, in turn, would create new opportunities for Indian businesses, fostering a mutually beneficial economic partnership.
Despite the promise of collaboration, certain challenges remain. Security concerns continue to pose significant risks, particularly in the wake of sporadic violence in parts of the country. For India, ensuring the safety of its personnel and investments will require careful planning and robust coordination with Afghan authorities. Furthermore, the broader international community’s cautious stance towards the Taliban government necessitates a diplomatic approach that balances pragmatism with principle.
A phased and calibrated strategy would serve India well in navigating these complexities. Initial efforts could focus on humanitarian assistance and low-risk development projects, implemented in partnership with trusted local actors or international organisations. Such an approach would allow India to demonstrate its commitment to the Afghan people while mitigating potential risks. Over time, as trust deepens and conditions stabilise, India could expand its engagement to encompass larger-scale infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives.
India’s re-engagement with Afghanistan also presents an opportunity to reaffirm its longstanding commitment to regional peace and stability. By emphasising the humanitarian and developmental dimensions of its efforts, India can build consensus both domestically and internationally. This approach would not only enhance India’s global standing but also strengthen its role as a responsible and constructive actor in South Asia.
The Taliban government’s commitment to fostering peace and stability has created a conducive environment for such collaboration. By aligning its efforts with the priorities of the Afghan leadership, India can contribute to the rebuilding of Afghanistan in a manner that respects its sovereignty and supports its aspirations. This partnership, rooted in mutual respect and shared objectives, has the potential to serve as a model for constructive engagement in other post-conflict settings.
India’s prospective re-engagement with Afghanistan represents a unique opportunity to renew historic ties and collaborate in the pursuit of shared goals. By prioritising the welfare of the Afghan people and respecting the nation’s sovereignty, India can play a pivotal role in shaping Afghanistan’s recovery. This partnership has the potential to foster mutual trust, regional harmony, and shared prosperity, embodying the spirit of cooperation that has long defined relations between the two nations.
The Afghan people have long regarded India as a trusted friend and partner. By reaffirming its commitment to their welfare, India can help build a brighter future for Afghanistan while reinforcing its own position as a leader in regional and global affairs. Together, India and Afghanistan can embark on a new chapter of partnership and progress, one that not only benefits their respective citizens but also contributes to the broader stability and prosperity of the region.
