The handshake between the foreign offices of Kabul and New Delhi in Dubai is a signal of security and strategic interests aligning in the region. The first reason is the need for cooperation on security and counter-terrorism efforts. Ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan are currently strained, security officials pointed out.
With the ISKP targeting the Taliban, which in turn is being accused of informally aligning with the TTP against Pakistan, has resulted in relations between the two neighbours becoming increasingly tense.
Meanwhile, Islamabad has been pushing back Afghan refugees who have entered the country in recent years, citing security and economic reasons, an action that has not been well received in Kabul.
So far, the Taliban has not taken any steps to antagonise either Pakistan or India, but its tilt toward India is a signal to both sides to keep mutual interests in mind, including regional and economic partnerships. A key element of this partnership is the activation of the Chabahar port in Iran to boost trade. India has been developing this port to bypass the ports of Karachi and Gwadar in Pakistan.
The warming of ties between Kabul and New Delhi is not a sudden development but a result of quiet diplomacy since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan and India began informal talks with the government.
While there may be no formal recognition of the Taliban government by New Delhi, India has maintained a neutral and non-judgmental approach. Security sources say the Taliban government has appreciated this non-interference, creating an understanding of mutual acceptance.
It is noteworthy that India does not have significant investment interests in Afghanistan, and its presence has largely been through humanitarian projects.
However, the alignment of India’s security and strategic interests is equally important to counter Pakistan’s influence. Security officials also emphasise that India has learnt from past experiences, such as the IC814 hijacking, and now understands the importance of maintaining relationships with neighbouring states unless there are clear and credible reasons not to do so. In this context, New Delhi is focusing on securing its national security interests at a time when geopolitics in the region is in flux.
