The ‘Great Abandonment’ of Afghanistan

• The recent U.S.-Taliban showdown has sparked global concern, particularly among Afghans living in exile.
• The U.S. has lost interest, cut funding, and left Afghanistan to the Taliban regime.
• Similar actions have been taken by the U.S. in the past, such as granting U.S. companies access to Afghanistan’s rare earth mineral deposits in 2017.
• The Doha Accords, a flawed ceasefire accord, were presented as a fait accompli to the Afghan government, leading to its failure.
• The Taliban regime has become more brutal to women and less tolerant of opposition.
• The U.S. and Europe have been blamed for the problem within Afghanistan, while Russia, China, Pakistan, and Central and West Asian countries have embraced the Taliban regime.
• India has been hesitant to allow a Taliban-appointed Ambassador into its embassy in New Delhi and has reopened a “technical mission” in 2022.
• India is reportedly negotiating to expand its presence in Kabul and allow a Taliban-appointed Ambassador to serve in Delhi.
• India also wants to revive its development projects in Afghanistan, with a meeting with Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in January 2025.

Engaging with Taliban 2.0: A Pragmatism and Realpolitik Perspective

• The Narendra Modi government’s decision to engage with Taliban 2.0 is based on pragmatism and realpolitik.
• The Taliban’s grip on Afghanistan is not eternal, with tussles over girls education and economic mismanagement.
• India’s aid to Afghans is unlikely to be limited by working closely with the Taliban.
• India’s decision to not reopen its embassy in Afghanistan could risk losing strategic space.
• The relationship India forged with the Afghan Republic, including strategic partnership, intelligence sharing, and working with the National Directorate of Security, cannot be built with the Taliban.
• The Taliban’s history of targeting Indian missions, workers, diplomats, and security force personnel is a risky proposition.
• The government should focus on rebuilding ties with those opposed to the Taliban and providing a platform for women.
• India should not shy away from allowing leaders of the exiled community to hold conferences and forums in India for political representation.
• India must engage with those in power, without abandoning contact with others across the political spectrum, to remain relevant in all eventualities and outcomes.