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India Talks to the Taliban: What’s Behind the Bold Move?




India’s recent decision to engage with the Taliban has raised eyebrows across the globe. After years of staying on the sidelines, Delhi is stepping into the fray, opening dialogue with Kabul's rulers. What’s driving this shift? The answer lies in a mix of regional security, strategic realignment, and pragmatic diplomacy. Let’s break it down.

 1. Securing the Neighborhood

Afghanistan has long been a cauldron of instability, and under the Taliban, the risks remain high. For India, the stakes couldn’t be clearer. With terrorism threatening to spill across borders, Delhi knows it must act to protect its interests. Engaging with the Taliban isn’t about endorsement—it’s about keeping a close eye on the ground and ensuring Afghanistan doesn’t become a launchpad for extremist activities targeting India.

 2. Building Economic Bridges

Afghanistan sits at a strategic crossroads, linking South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. For India, maintaining access to this vital region is a game-changer. From trade corridors to infrastructure projects like the Chabahar Port, Afghanistan plays a pivotal role in India’s economic ambitions. Rebuilding ties with Kabul ensures India stays in the loop on future economic opportunities while also offering the Afghan people a lifeline through development aid.

 

3. Countering China and Pakistan

Here’s the elephant in the room: China and Pakistan. Both nations have deepened their ties with the Taliban, with Pakistan claiming Afghanistan as its backyard and China eyeing its untapped resources. India, however, refuses to be left out. By engaging with Kabul, Delhi is positioning itself as a counterbalance, ensuring it remains a key player in the region’s evolving power dynamics.

 4. Navigating Geopolitical Shifts

The geopolitical chessboard is constantly changing, and Afghanistan is a crucial square. After the U.S. withdrawal, the region has seen new alliances and rivalries emerge. For India, this is a chance to shape outcomes rather than be shaped by them. Dialogue with the Taliban ensures India has a voice in the evolving regional order, one that aligns with its strategic interests.

 5. The Humanitarian Edge

India’s engagement isn’t just about geopolitics—it’s also about humanity. Despite the Taliban’s controversial rule, India has continued to provide life-saving aid, from wheat shipments to COVID-19 vaccines. These efforts not only build goodwill but also reinforce India’s role as a compassionate global player.

 

Balancing Act of Realpolitik :

India’s outreach to the Taliban is a calculated gamble—a mix of pragmatism, strategy, and foresight. While critics might argue it’s a risky move, Delhi’s approach signals a willingness to adapt to the realities of a changing world.

This isn’t about aligning with the Taliban; it’s about protecting India’s interests, ensuring stability, and shaping a more favorable regional order. In a world of shifting alliances, India is playing the long game—and so far, it seems to be a game worth playing.


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