Milestones in India-Afghanistan Relations:

Pre-Independence & Early Years:

• 19th Century: British India establishes the Durand Line as the border between British India and Afghanistan, laying the foundation for future disputes.

  • Context: The line was imposed without Afghan consent, leading to Afghanistan never officially recognizing it.
  • Importance: This historical event continues to be a source of tension between the two countries.

• 1947: India gains independence, inheriting the Durand Line issue. Afghanistan is one of the few countries to vote against India's admission to the UN, citing the unresolved border dispute.

  • Context: Afghanistan claimed the Pashtun-dominated areas that fell on the Pakistani side of the Durand Line.
  • Importance: This early disagreement highlighted the inherent challenges in the relationship.

Cold War Period:

• 1950: India and Afghanistan sign a Treaty of Friendship, emphasizing mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity.

  • Context: This treaty aimed to foster cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
  • Importance: Laid the groundwork for future collaboration, despite regional tensions.

• 1979: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan puts a strain on India-Afghanistan relations.

  • Context: India, while sympathetic to the Afghan people, opposed the Soviet intervention and called for a political solution.
  • Importance: The Soviet invasion and the subsequent civil war led to a period of instability in Afghanistan, impacting its relations with India.

Post-Cold War & Taliban Era:

• 1996: Taliban seize power in Kabul. India refuses to recognize the Taliban regime due to their extremist ideology and support for insurgency in Kashmir.

  • Context: India saw the Taliban as a threat to regional stability and a proxy for Pakistan.
  • Importance: This period marked a low point in the bilateral relationship.

• 2001: After the 9/11 attacks, India supports the US-led intervention in Afghanistan.

  • Context: This presented an opportunity for India to rebuild ties with Afghanistan and counter Pakistani influence.
  • Importance: Marked the beginning of a new era of strategic partnership between India and Afghanistan.

Post-Taliban Era:

• 2001-2021: India emerges as a major development partner for Afghanistan, investing billions of dollars in infrastructure projects, education, healthcare, and capacity building.

  • Context: India's assistance aimed to contribute to the rebuilding of Afghanistan and strengthen its democratic institutions.
  • Importance: This cemented India's role as a key stakeholder in Afghanistan's future.

• 2011: India and Afghanistan sign a Strategic Partnership Agreement, deepening their cooperation in various sectors, including security and defense.

  • Context: This agreement formalized the growing strategic convergence between the two countries.
  • Importance: Demonstrated the commitment of both countries to a long-term partnership.

• 2021: Taliban return to power in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal. India adopts a wait-and-watch approach, expressing concerns over human rights and terrorism.

  • Context: India faces the challenge of protecting its interests and engaging with the new regime while ensuring the safety of its citizens and diplomats.
  • Importance: Represents a new and uncertain chapter in India-Afghanistan relations.

Current and Future:

• India continues to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan despite not recognizing the Taliban government.
• India engages with regional and international stakeholders to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Looking Ahead:

The future of India-Afghanistan relations remains uncertain. India faces the dilemma of engaging with the Taliban while upholding its principles of democracy and human rights. Nevertheless, India's strategic and development interests in Afghanistan remain unchanged, making it crucial for New Delhi to find ways to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.