India-Afghanistan Relations: A New Chapter Post-Pahalgam Terror Attack
The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam has escalated tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan, prompting India to shut down the crucial Attari land border. In the midst of this growing conflict, Afghanistan—ruled by the Taliban since 2021—has begun diplomatic outreach toward India, expressing interest in strengthening political and economic ties.
Historically, India and Afghanistan have had a complex relationship, often influenced by regional geopolitics. During the 1999 Kargil War, the then-Taliban regime supported Pakistan-backed groups, while India extended moral support to anti-Taliban factions. Following the 2016 Uri attack and especially after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, India intensified its focus on cross-border terrorism, initiating closer intelligence cooperation with Afghanistan.
The Taliban government has now used the Pahalgam attack as an opportunity to reposition itself. Condemning the attack, the Taliban stated that such acts threaten regional security and stability. This public stance marks a strategic move by the regime to project a more responsible image on the international stage and possibly gain legitimacy in the eyes of powers like India.
Against this backdrop, Anand Prakash, the new Joint Secretary for the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, met with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul. While the Indian government has not officially commented on the details of the meeting, Taliban officials stated that discussions focused on expanding bilateral ties and attracting Indian investment into Afghanistan.
Muttaqi emphasized the need for India to ease visa restrictions for Afghan students, patients, and traders. He also urged Indian investors to explore opportunities in the Afghan market, particularly as the country faces isolation and economic difficulties.
It is important to note that India has not formally recognized the Taliban regime. However, in 2022, India reopened its diplomatic presence in Kabul by deploying a technical team at its embassy, signaling cautious engagement. India continues to call for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan and insists that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorist activities against any country.
In parallel, India is exploring alternatives to trade through Pakistan, especially by increasing use of Iran’s Chabahar Port—where India has made significant investments—as a gateway to Afghanistan. This would allow India to bypass Pakistani ports in Karachi and Gwadar.
Security concerns remain, especially as Pakistan’s ISI is suspected of secretly supporting anti-Taliban elements, which poses internal threats to the Taliban regime. Meanwhile, the fate of millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan also hangs in the balance, further complicating the geopolitical situation.
Despite these challenges, both New Delhi and Kabul appear to be cautiously moving toward a renewed partnership based on shared interests, particularly counter-terrorism and regional trade. If handled strategically, this evolving relationship could serve as a stabilizing force in an otherwise volatile region.
