Taliban (Social Media)
National News: After nearly four years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, Russia has become the first major country to officially recognize the Taliban government, re-establishing full diplomatic relations with Kabul. This move has reignited a critical debate across global capitals—especially in India, China, Pakistan, and Iran—all of whom maintain informal contact with the Taliban but have avoided formal recognition. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed Russia’s move, describing it as a “bold and commendable step,” and expressed hope that it would set an example for other countries to recognize the Taliban government.
This raises a compelling question: Where does India stand on the Taliban, and will it reconsider its stance?
India’s relationship with the Taliban has been marked by caution. Back in 1996, when the Taliban first seized Kabul, New Delhi shut its embassy and refused any diplomatic recognition, viewing the group as a proxy of Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus. Following the fall of the Taliban in 2001, India reestablished its presence in Kabul and emerged as a key development partner, building infrastructure, schools, and hospitals. However, Indian missions remained vulnerable to Taliban-linked attacks.
When the Taliban returned to power in August 2021 after the U.S. withdrawal, India initially distanced itself again. But soon, geopolitical realities forced a shift—particularly as China and Pakistan engaged more closely with the new regime. By mid-2022, India resumed a limited diplomatic presence in Kabul and began holding back-channel talks, including official delegations sent to Doha for initial engagement with Taliban leaders.
A significant shift occurred in January 2025, when Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai. This was followed in May by a public conversation between External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Muttaqi—their first publicly acknowledged interaction.
Despite not recognizing the Taliban formally, India has continued humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, including food supplies, medicines, and disaster relief. Unlike many Western nations, India has refrained from vocal criticism of the Taliban on international platforms.
India is carefully balancing its strategic interests with international credibility. Recognizing the Taliban is a sensitive and high-stakes geopolitical decision that could have far-reaching consequences, including:
New Delhi also wants to observe the Taliban’s conduct: whether they uphold promises on inclusive governance, women’s rights, and curbing terrorism. So far, the Taliban’s track record has done little to inspire confidence.
Even without official endorsement, India has tactically built bridges:
India appears to be using a dual strategy: protecting its investments and influence in Afghanistan while keeping options open on full diplomatic recognition.
Although Russia has taken the lead in recognizing the Taliban, India is expected to proceed with caution and is unlikely to take a similar step in the near future. Global opinion, internal security concerns, and regional calculations will heavily influence New Delhi’s decision. However, India’s steady outreach, regular humanitarian support, and increasing back-channel talks show that doors are not closed. Recognition might not be imminent, but India is preparing for all scenarios—with quiet diplomacy leading the way.
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