Five Years of Taliban Rule in Afghanistan: Challenges and India’s Strategic Response

Context: Afghanistan marks five years under Taliban rule, with governance defined by instability, rising extremism, and widespread human rights violations. Since their return to power in 2019, the Taliban regime has established a strict theocratic system, rejecting democratic institutions and basing authority solely on a rigid interpretation of Sharia law.

Who Are the Taliban?

• Origin: Emerged in the 1990s from Pashtun-dominated madrassas in Pakistan.
• Ideology: Anti-democratic, enforcing a hardline Islamic emirate across Afghanistan.
• Geographic Reach: Controls most of Afghanistan, with influence extending into Pakistan’s tribal regions.
• Global Recognition: Russia has extended de facto recognition; India maintains engagement without formal recognition, prioritizing regional stability.

India’s Strategic Gains Under Taliban Rule

Despite challenges, India sees limited opportunities:

• Reduced Pakistan Influence: Taliban’s independent stance weakens Pakistan’s strategic depth in Afghanistan.
• Security Assurances: Taliban has publicly pledged not to allow Afghan soil to be used against India.
• Fight Against ISKP: Frequent clashes with Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) help curb transnational terror threats.
• Opium Crackdown: 2022 ban on poppy cultivation reduced narcotics trafficking into India.
• Stability Over Chaos: Centralized Taliban control minimizes civil war risks and cross-border spillovers.

Key Security & Diplomatic Challenges

• Terror Sanctuaries: Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Haqqani Network operate with impunity.
• Radicalization Risk: Harsh Sharia enforcement fuels ideological appeal among extremist circles in South Asia.
• Failed Governance: Weak institutions disrupt humanitarian aid and infrastructure projects.
• Chinese Expansion: Beijing strengthens economic and security ties, signing mining and energy deals—limiting India’s regional influence.
• Human Rights Crisis: Suppression of women’s education and minority rights contradicts India’s values-based foreign policy.

Way Forward: India’s Pragmatic Strategy

1. Realistic ‘Act West’ Policy: Engage Taliban diplomatically without legitimizing the regime.
2. Humanitarian Assistance: Deliver food, medicine, and education aid via UN agencies and NGOs.
3. Cultural & Educational Outreach: Expand scholarships for Afghan students to preserve soft power ties.
4. Multilateral Engagement: Leverage SCO, SAARC, and UN platforms to advocate inclusive governance.
5. Development Partnerships: Support critical infrastructure to enhance long-term stability and Indian influence.

Conclusion
While the Taliban’s Afghanistan poses security and ethical dilemmas, India must balance principle with pragmatism. By focusing on regional stability, counterterrorism, and humanitarian diplomacy, India can safeguard its strategic interests in a volatile neighborhood.