India Opens New Chapters of Support for Afghanistan Amid Challenges
Since Afghanistan was hit by a powerful earthquake at the end of August, India quickly sent humanitarian aid to help the devastated regions in southeastern Afghanistan. This shows that India’s support goes beyond just providing aid—it’s part of a broader effort to help Afghan people, even though India doesn’t officially recognize the Taliban government.
India’s approach to Afghanistan has changed over time. While New Delhi has not recognized the Taliban leadership in Kabul, it continues to engage with Afghanistan in practical ways, focusing on aid, development, and stability. This shift isn’t about agreeing with the Taliban’s rule but about safeguarding regional stability and security.
Why is India engaging with Afghanistan despite the political situation? There are several reasons. A stable Afghanistan can help prevent terror groups based in Pakistan from finding safe havens. Plus, Afghanistan is an important link to Central Asia and offers alternative routes for trade and energy supplies through ports like Chabahar in Iran.
India has also prioritized helping Afghan women and children. A parliamentary report from earlier this year highlighted the need for projects focused on their welfare. Initially, India set aside Rs 200 crore for aid in 2024-25, but that was later revised down to Rs 50 crore before being increased again to Rs 100 crore for 2025-26. The aim is to support food security, medicines, and emergency supplies, which have already shown positive results.
Apart from humanitarian aid during the recent earthquake, India has invested over USD 3 billion in Afghanistan before 2021 in projects like dams, hospitals, and schools. The Taliban has reached out to India for help with construction projects, and some of these operations may soon restart once security improves.
However, India faces hurdles. Most land routes go through Pakistan, leading to delays and bureaucratic hurdles at border crossings. Tensions at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border also cause longer waiting times, complicating the movement of men and materials.
Despite these difficulties, India’s efforts in Afghanistan have helped build goodwill. These acts of support are vital as regional powers compete for influence—a rivalry famously called “The Great Game,” a term popularized by author Peter Hopkirk. His writings detail the long history of diplomatic and covert battles over Afghanistan’s strategic importance.
India’s policy in Afghanistan isn’t always clear-cut, with some viewing it as “strategic patience,” carefully balancing diplomacy and aid. Over time, India has maintained contact with different Afghan governments, including recent talks between India’s Foreign Secretary and Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister in Dubai. These conversations have focused on continuing development projects and aid.
After the recent earthquake, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi to share condolences and discuss ongoing cooperation. Despite the ongoing challenges, India remains committed to helping Afghanistan rebuild and stabilize.
India’s role in Afghanistan highlights its strategic interest in regional stability and security. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, India continues to explore pragmatic ways to support Afghan people and protect its wider interests in the region.
