Daily News Analysis

Relationship between India and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

stylish_lining

Relationship between India and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

 

Why in the News?

Recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announced the closure of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Delhi.

The Embassy of Afghanistan has cited some reasons for the move that includes:

  • Lack of cooperation from the Government of India 
  • Lack of resources to operate any further

Is this a turning point for Afghanistan-India relations?

  1. The embassy represented the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in India.
  2. But with the takeover of Afghanistan through a military campaign by Taliban, who were not recognised by India as de facto rulers, the embassy stopped representing an active state (“stateless mission”) since August 2021.
  3. Instead, it worked as a coordinating agency since then, such as performing a ceremonial or a symbolic role and helping out Afghan citizens among others.
  4. The ambassador of the previous regime of President Ashraf Ghani, Farid Mamundzay, left India before 3 months itself.
  5. However, the two consulates of Afghanistan in Hyderabad and Mumbai have announced to continue functioning as part of a “solemn commitment” towards thousands of Afghan students, refugees and traders.

Other ways of engagement are on the move:

  1. India has a “technical team” in Kabul to provides visas to Afghan traders and travellers to India. 
  2. Two weekly flights that carry Afghan citizens and items to India, as well as humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people by India, are being operational.
  3. Indian trade goods with Afghanistan are happening through other countries like Iran and the UAE.

However, these are informal nature of interactions because formal diplomatic ties are unable to take off as India refuses to recognise Taliban citing human rights abuses inflicted by it.

Possibility of establishing formal ties:

  1. Indian diplomats have engaged with the Taliban immediately after the takeover of Kabul in 2021, though India has not recognised Taliban formally.
  2. Indian diplomats have met Taliban’s representatives under many multilateral initiatives such as
  • The recent Moscow format dialogue in which India sent a representative to Kazan, Russia to engage with the Taliban.
  1. Increasing pressure on India to reconsider its position on the Taliban:
    1. It has gained international recognition from rival powers like China.
    2. Countries such as Iran, Pakistan, the UAE, Russia and Qatar are warming ties with the Taliban.
    3. Taliban is urging India to support its economic revitalisation through projects like electricity generation and road building works. 

Indian Ports Act, 2025

Why is the Indian Ports Act, 2025 in the News? The President of India has granted assent to the Indian Ports Act, 2025, which replaces the previous Indian Ports Act of 1908. This new Act aims t
Share It

Private Sector in Defense Production

The growth in private sector participation in India's defense production marks a significant shift in the country’s defense strategy and industrial landscape. The private sector share in
Share It

India-Mauritius

The visit of the Prime Minister of Mauritius to Varanasi marked a significant milestone in strengthening the India-Mauritius bilateral ties. Describing India as a trusted partner in Mauritius'
Share It

solar manufacturing ecosystem

India's ambitious plan to develop a fully indigenous solar manufacturing ecosystem by 2028 is an essential step towards achieving energy security, sustainability, and enhancing its position as
Share It

Political Unrest in Nepal

Nepal’s ongoing political unrest, exacerbated by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation and youth-led protests, has created a volatile environment that directly impacts India&rsqu
Share It

Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers

Karnataka has recently passed the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025, aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of gig workers. Key Provisions of t
Share It

Income Tax Act 2025

The Income Tax Act, 2025 has received Presidential assent and will replace the Income Tax Act, 1961. The new Act is designed to simplify tax laws, modernize existing provisions, and improve the ef
Share It

Cotton Sector

The Union Government has taken significant steps to support the cotton sector in India, addressing key challenges related to rising imports, farmer welfare, and low domestic production. These meas
Share It

Aircraft Leasing: Wet and Dry Lease

In light of the ongoing global aircraft shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, airlines have increasingly turned to wet and dry leases as solutions. These leas
Share It

India and Israel Sign New Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)

India and Israel have recently signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), marking a significant development in their bilateral relationship. This agreement, which replaces the older BIT signed in
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS