Editorial: New Delhi’s cautious diplomacy with Taliban

Although India’s historical ties with Afghanistan and its discomfort with the Taliban are well known, the changing dynamics of the region demand a pragmatic approach

The sudden spike in skirmishes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border signals a potential shift in the regional power balance, particularly as India cautiously seeks to strengthen ties with Afghanistan. Even as Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is on an official visit to India, fierce clashes erupted along the Durand Line. Afghanistan claimed its forces had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers and destroyed 20 military outposts, while Pakistan asserted it had eliminated over 200 Taliban and other affiliated fighters in overnight operations. The escalation prompted the visiting Afghan minister to launch a scathing attack on Pakistan, warning that while Kabul desired peace, it was prepared to employ “other means” to secure it. Despite both countries being Islamic nations, Afghanistan and Pakistan remain divided on several core issues. Kabul has never recognised the Durand Line — the border demarcated after Pakistan’s creation in 1947. Since the Taliban took over the reins of power in 2021, Islamabad has accused its neighbour of sheltering fighters from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Border skirmishes have been occurring with unfailing regularity. More pronounced are the military attacks and retaliatory cross-border operations, resulting in significant casualties, displacement, and damage on both sides. The cycle of attacks and retaliations now threatens to escalate into a full-scale conflict as both sides remain firm on their positions. The mounting tension has drawn the attention of the international community, with US President Donald Trump offering to mediate between the two nations. While this may be viewed as diplomatic grandstanding, the situation offers India an opportunity to strengthen its role as a development and humanitarian partner to Afghanistan, thereby counterbalancing the China-Pakistan nexus in the region.

In a calculated diplomatic move, India recently upgraded its mission in Kabul to the status of an embassy and pledged to resume development projects. This decision could further complicate Pakistan’s strategic predicament, as it faces security challenges on both its eastern and western fronts. The sudden flare-up along the border also prompted Qatar and Saudi Arabia to intervene, leading to a temporary pause in hostilities. Yet, volatility along the Afghan-Pak border continues. In this evolving scenario, Russia, China, and other regional stakeholders are expected to recalibrate their policies in response to shifting geopolitical realities. For India, the situation calls for prudence, especially given Saudi Arabia’s recent defence pact with Pakistan, signed in September. Although India’s historical ties with Afghanistan and its discomfort with the Taliban are well known, the changing dynamics of the region demand a pragmatic approach. India’s current outreach to Afghanistan introduces a new dynamic, potentially reducing Pakistan’s influence and reshaping the regional balance of power towards a more multipolar configuration. Apparently, the strategy is to engage the Taliban government diplomatically to maintain influence and stability in the region. India might well draw from the timeless wisdom of the Arthashastra: The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

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