India’s Quiet Diplomacy with the Taliban: What’s Really Happening Behind Closed Doors

Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, India has taken a nuanced approach in navigating its relationship with the regime. What started as an initial hesitation has slowly evolved into a series of incremental steps towards cautious engagement. India’s diplomatic efforts have been shaped by a mix of geopolitical considerations, security concerns, and humanitarian interests, all while balancing its longstanding ties with Afghanistan’s people.

The Early Days: Reluctant Acknowledgment

In 2021, shortly after the Taliban seized control of Kabul, India’s first official interaction came through a meeting between Ambassador Deepak Mittal and Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, head of the Taliban’s political office in Doha. The Taliban’s outreach was seen as an opportunity to gauge their intentions. Stanekzai, who had connections to India, expressed the group’s desire to continue diplomatic, cultural, and trade ties with India. However, India’s response remained cautious, with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla calling the engagement “limited” and emphasizing the Taliban’s need to be “reasonable” in handling India’s concerns.

Despite this cautious beginning, India made its position clear, urging the Taliban to form an inclusive government that represented all ethnic groups and guaranteed the rights of women.

Building a Bridge: Humanitarian Aid and Diplomatic Footprints

By December 2021, India shifted gears and began sending humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, a decision that symbolized a practical acknowledgment of the Taliban as the de facto rulers of the country. The shipment of 1.6 tonnes of essential medicines marked a significant step forward. This was followed by India’s first official delegation to Kabul in June 2022, led by J P Singh, to oversee humanitarian aid operations, signaling India’s willingness to engage with the Taliban on practical matters despite its reservations about the political situation.

India also stationed a “technical team” in Kabul to facilitate the delivery of aid. These efforts indicated India’s recognition of the Taliban’s authority in Afghanistan, albeit limited to humanitarian concerns.

The Diplomatic Balance: Security, Human Rights, and Geopolitics

India’s diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, while expanding, has been shaped by several complex factors. One of the most significant concerns has been security, particularly the threat posed by anti-India terror groups operating in Afghanistan. India has maintained that its relationship with the Taliban hinges on the assurance that Afghanistan will not be used as a launching pad for attacks against India.

Additionally, India has continued to push for an inclusive government and the safeguarding of human rights, especially women’s rights, within Afghanistan. However, with the Taliban’s controversial policies towards women, including the banning of female students from universities, India’s calls for change have often been met with limited success.

Afghanistan’s Changing Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities

While India has expressed concern over human rights violations, particularly those impacting women, its increasing engagement with the Taliban also comes at a time of shifting regional dynamics. Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, such as Pakistan, have become adversaries, with rising tensions between the two nations, including bombings in Afghan territory carried out by Pakistan. Meanwhile, other countries, including China, have made significant inroads into Afghanistan, making it crucial for India to ensure that its interests in the region are not sidelined.

In this dynamic environment, India has been careful not to be left behind as it sees its years of investments in Afghanistan at risk. India’s strategy is evolving from humanitarian aid to more substantial engagements, including potential infrastructure development, refugee rehabilitation, and the strengthening of cultural ties, particularly through cricket.

The Road Ahead: Pragmatic Diplomacy Amidst Complications

As Vikram Misri, India’s Foreign Secretary, led a high-level delegation in Dubai for talks with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, the message from both sides was clear: India’s diplomatic engagement with the Taliban is no longer a distant possibility but a reality in progress. The Taliban have shown readiness to collaborate, seeking support for Afghanistan’s rebuilding efforts, while India remains concerned about its security interests and regional stability.

However, there remain significant challenges. Visa issues, security concerns, and the lack of a functioning visa section in the Indian embassy in Kabul complicate matters. Still, India is considering reopening stalled projects across the country, signaling its commitment to assist Afghanistan, provided there are tangible benefits for both nations.

Realpolitik and Regional Imperatives

India’s engagement with the Taliban may seem paradoxical to some—balancing diplomacy with security concerns, humanitarian aid with political caution. However, New Delhi’s approach is driven by a pragmatic understanding of the changing regional landscape. With neighboring countries, including Iran and Pakistan, becoming more unpredictable, India is determined to ensure that its strategic interests in Afghanistan remain intact, especially when it comes to countering terrorism and securing its regional role.

For India, this is not just about engaging with the Taliban but about securing its place in a post-US Afghanistan while ensuring that its core concerns are addressed—security, regional stability, and the welfare of the Afghan people. The road ahead will require more delicate maneuvering, but India’s willingness to engage demonstrates its commitment to shaping Afghanistan’s future in line with its interests.

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