Taliban in Delhi? Is India now moving towards direct talks with Taliban? The appointment of an Afghan diplomat in New Delhi could prove to be a major change in the diplomacy of South Asia. Is this a new partnership or the end of an old distance?
New Delhi. A major change may be seen in the relations between India and Afghanistan. It is reported that the Taliban government is preparing to appoint a diplomat in New Delhi soon. This step is being taken for the first time since August 2021, when the Taliban took power in Afghanistan. This is not just a diplomatic move, but also a big signal in the politics of South Asia.
Is India indirectly recognizing Taliban?
India has not yet officially recognized the Taliban government, but recent steps tell a different story. India has announced the upgrading of its “technical mission” in Kabul to embassy level. Besides, India has also agreed to recognize the diplomats sent by Taliban. This indicates that India is perhaps preparing to gradually take its relations with the Taliban to a new dimension.
Why did the diplomatic wind change after Muttaki’s visit?
Last month, Afghan Foreign Minister Aamir Khan Muttaki visited India. This visit is considered to be the beginning of a new trust between the two countries. During Muttaki’s visit, India reiterated its promise to provide humanitarian aid and medical supplies, thereby proving again that it remains a reliable partner of Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson publicly thanked India for more than 16 tonnes of medicines. This is not just a medical cooperation but also lays a new foundation of “trust” in India-Afghanistan relations.
Is Taliban moving closer to India and away from Pakistan?
Interestingly, just days before Muttaqi’s visit, the Taliban had supported India’s sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir. This statement became a topic of discussion in many international circles. At the same time, tension had recently increased due to the border dispute between Pakistan and Taliban.
In such a situation the question arises-
- Does Taliban want to build new relations with India?
- Or is this a strategy to distance itself from Pakistan?
Changing equation in South Asia
India’s increasing activism and inclination towards Afghanistan indicates that a new diplomatic direction is being formed in South Asia. India has maintained dialogue with the Taliban for the last three years without formal recognition and now that both the countries are going to appoint “Chargé d’Affaires”, it is certain that the relationship is now moving beyond just “cooperation” to the level of “trust”.
Is there a bigger sign than what?
The presence of Taliban diplomats in New Delhi may change the equation of Asian politics in the coming months. This move is part of India’s “Balanced Diplomacy” – while on one hand India is keeping its global partners happy, on the other hand it is also building a new trusting relationship with Afghanistan.