Major Gen (retd) SC Meston, who among other senior positions during his distinguished military career was defence attaché in Kabul.
Bhashyam Kasturi, a former journalist and academic who till recently was with the National Security Council Secretariat.
They spoke on the Pakistan-Afghanistan situation which seems to be going from bad to worse, and what India’s position should be under the circumstances.
Here are the key points of the discussion:
- Historically, Pakistan and Afghanistan have had strained relations.
- Afghanistan has never recognised the Durand Line, an ongoing point of contention.
- Pakistan has exploited and divided Pashtuns to prevent unity and distract from the Durand Line issue.
- Afghan Taliban’s support for Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has intensified differences with Pakistan.
India-Afghanistan Relations
- India has historically focused on development and humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan, investing over $3 billion in projects.
- Afghanistan offers India strategic benefits, including access to Central Asia via Chabahar port and significant mineral reserves.
- India views Afghanistan as a counterbalance to Pakistan’s influence in the region.
Taliban Dynamics
- Although initially supported by Pakistan, the Taliban have shifted focus and are asserting independence.
- The Taliban government has backed the TTP, challenging Pakistan’s interests.
- Despite being labeled a terrorist organization, the Taliban have governed Afghanistan for over three years, necessitating international engagement.
Strategic Opportunities for India
- India’s historical ties with the Pashtuns provide a foundation for engagement.
- Diplomatic, military, and development channels should be leveraged to establish a working relationship with the Taliban.
- India should also engage with resistance groups like the National Resistance Front and leaders like Amrullah Saleh and Ahmad Masood.
Geopolitical and Economic Potential
- Afghanistan’s geostrategic location and $4.1 trillion in mineral reserves present significant opportunities for India.
- A stable Afghanistan aligned with India could counteract China’s influence through Pakistan’s Gwadar port.
- India can use its expertise and resources to support Afghanistan’s development, fostering goodwill and reducing terrorism.
Recommendations for India
- Accelerate diplomatic and military engagement with Afghanistan and the Taliban, emphasising inclusivity, education, and women’s rights.
- Continue training Afghan civil servants and military personnel.
- Provide financial aid and humanitarian assistance to strengthen ties with Afghan communities.
- Balance engagement with the Taliban while supporting resistance groups to keep all options open.
