A complicated interaction of geopolitical interests and regional factors is reflected in India’s recent outreach to the Taliban, which represents a dramatic change in its diplomatic approach toward Afghanistan.
Since August 2021, when the Taliban took over Kabul, India’s relationship with them has changed. In the past, India has made significant investments in Afghanistan, giving more than $3 billion to economic and humanitarian initiatives meant to promote peace and democracy.
But as regional rivals like China and Pakistan looked to increase their presence in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s comeback was a strategic setback for India, reducing its strength and raising security issues.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, met with India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Dubai on January 8, 2025, marking the most recent high-level exchange. This conference is significant because it shows India’s determination to re-establish its involvement in Afghan issues and is the greatest degree of engagement since the fall of Kabul.
The Taliban allegedly expressed desire in deepening economic cooperation with India, and the talks centered on improving political and commerce connections.
India sees a chance to strengthen its ties with the Taliban as a counterweight to Pakistan’s influence, given Pakistan’s accusations that Taliban factions harbor anti-Pakistan militants.
With initiatives like Chabahar, which tries to avoid Pakistani transit routes, India hopes to improve connection to Central Asia through Afghanistan.
Despite these tactical benefits, there are hazards associated with dealing with the Taliban. The Taliban is still a dangerous organization associated with international terrorist organizations, analysts warn. Increasing ties can unintentionally legitimize a government that hasn’t demonstrated much interest in reforming since it took power in the 1990s. India’s cautious stance also shows that it understands how difficult it will be to deal with such a system.
India’s engagement with the Taliban represents a practical change in reaction to changing geopolitical conditions. It must manage the dangers of dealing with a historically unstable regime in Afghanistan as it looks to restore influence and protect its interests there.
