WEB DESK: The Afghan Taliban, after decades of ideological friction, are gradually embracing stronger diplomatic and economic ties with India. This strategic shift stems from mounting economic challenges, regional complexities, and the pursuit of international legitimacy.
For over two decades, the Taliban’s propaganda portrayed India as a Hindu “kafir” state supporting “anti-Islamic” forces in Afghanistan. The group even justified the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas as opposition to “un-Islamic idols” and a stand against the “Buddhist-Hindu civilization.” Now, however, the same regime is actively reaching out to New Delhi, with senior officials such as foreign and commerce ministers visiting India in pursuit of markets, infrastructure aid, and investment.
This significant shift contrasts with the Taliban’s earlier portrayal of Afghanistan’s pre-2021 government as an “Indian puppet” while accusing Indian consulates of being hubs for RAW-backed militant activity aimed at destabilizing Pakistan and Afghanistan. Today, elements like Indian wheat, reconstruction projects funded by India, access to Indian ports, and long-term trade routes have become central components of Afghanistan’s economic aspirations.
Observers attribute this pivot partly to intensifying tensions with Pakistan over issues like the presence of TTP/FAK militants, border disputes, and refugee challenges. While the Taliban continue to reference longstanding Islamic ties with Pakistan, their openness toward India, a non-Muslim nation, has raised questions about their commitment to broader “ummah solidarity.” Analysts based in Islamabad suggest that Kabul seems more inclined to accommodate Indian security concerns than address those raised by Pakistan.
The outreach to India also contrasts starkly with the Taliban’s traditional rhetoric against Western systems, including their rejection of “interest-based economies” and global financial institutions. Nonetheless, India’s proximity to Western capital has not hindered the Emirate’s efforts to explore banking solutions and secure investments through Indian support.
Despite enforcing strict domestic policies under “pure Sharia,” such as limitations on girls’ education, women’s employment, and press freedoms, the Taliban exhibit substantial flexibility abroad, prioritizing economic stability over ideological steepness. During prominent visits to India, Afghan representatives have strategically avoided sensitive topics like Kashmir, the CAA, or reports of anti-Muslim incidents, opting for silence to facilitate trade and diplomatic progress.
The frequency of Afghan ministerial visits underscores the Emirate’s growing pursuit of implicit recognition while publicly claiming indifference toward international approval. Experts argue that this evolving strategy reflects a pragmatic duality: unyielding ideology at home coupled with a transactional, adaptive stance abroad. In this scenario, India emerges as an essential partner, crucial for Afghanistan’s survival in an increasingly challenging economic landscape.
