Cut Pakistan out of India-Afghanistan ties

Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to New Delhi last week - the first high-level visit since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 - marked a significant moment for the region. New Delhi is poised to play a crucial role in shaping this bilateral relationship, as the joint statement reaffirmed Jammu & Kashmir as part of India, underscored Muttaqi's strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, and saw both countries unequivocally denounce all acts of terrorism emanating from 'regional actors'. Unsurprisingly, Pakistan expressed its displeasure at the reference to terrorism in the joint statement and lodged a formal complaint with the Afghan ambassador in Islamabad, highlighting its continued unease over India-Afghanistan ties.

Pakistan's long-standing patronage of terror outfits has created a shared interest for India and Afghanistan. However, New Delhi must recognise that its engagement with Kabul extends beyond merely countering Pakistan. While India and Afghanistan may occasionally diverge on long-term strategic priorities and regional outlooks, there is no question that both nations seek peace, security and prosperity for their countries and the wider region. The joint statement noted that India 'will further deepen its engagement' in development cooperation projects. This engagement presents opportunities for collaboration on areas that promote sustainable economic growth, including infrastructure development, clean energy deployment, supply chain strengthening, climate change mitigation, and building social and environmental resilience.

New Delhi must ensure that Pakistan does not become the fulcrum of its relationship with Kabul. As the larger economy and a functioning democracy, India will need to take the lead in assisting Afghanistan's reconstruction and development. A stable, economically advancing Afghanistan is precisely what the region requires, and it is this outcome that India should actively work to deliver with patience, commitment and strategic foresight.