Careful engagement with Afghanistaliban

India's de facto resumption of diplomatic ties with Afghanistan is a gamble fraught with peril and promise. The Taliban's overtures to New Delhi must be seen in the context of its international isolation and the humanitarian crisis it confronts. India is the unlikely recipient of Kabul's overtures, given New Delhi's historical distrust. Yet, it is India that the one-year-old regime has reached out to. Is this the diplomatic equivalent of a long con?

It was unlikely that India would spurn the Taliban's outreach. It gives New Delhi an entry into Afghanistan to ensure that it does not become the preserve of forces inimical to India, especially those supported by Pakistan and China. Kabul's offer to act on major jihadi groups traditionally operating in Afghanistan, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and al-Qaeda in the subcontinent is an attractive draw. The Taliban's India outreach puts it at odds with supporter Pakistan, and New Delhi can neither overlook its implications nor must take it for granted. Humanitarian assistance, especially in terms of food and health (Covid vaccines) and development can be important planks of engagement, especially with the Taliban asking India to complete development projects in the country. Working with other partners, India must leverage this position to maximise its gains across the Durand Line.

The central question is how far can New Delhi trust the Taliban. As a country with global aspirations, it must take some risks. Therefore, India needs a clear strategy and understanding of its involvement in Afghanistan and prepare accordingly. This is neither a humanitarian mission nor a military one, yet, there can be no delinking of the development and counterterrorism activities.