Table of contents |
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India-Afghanistan Relations |
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India-Afghanistan Relations Post Taliban Takeover |
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Indian Community in Afghanistan |
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Challenges in India-Afghanistan Relations |
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Recent Developments |
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India has always been a strong supporter of Afghanistan, especially after the fall of the Taliban in 2001. The country has helped Afghanistan in many ways, providing everything from food to building materials.
Small Development Projects (SDP): India has launched various small development projects in sectors such as:
These projects aim to improve the quality of life for ordinary Afghans and are tailored to meet local needs.
Economic Cooperation: Afghanistan is a significant market for Indian businesses, and both countries are working to enhance trade relations. Key aspects include:
Cultural Relations: The cultural ties between India and Afghanistan are deep-rooted, with shared interests in music, arts, architecture, language, and cuisine. India is actively involved in:
India’s multifaceted approach towards Afghanistan, encompassing infrastructure development, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange, underscores its commitment to the country’s stability and growth. Despite the changing political landscape in Afghanistan, India continues to seek ways to support the Afghan people and strengthen bilateral ties.
Football:
Cricket:
Humanitarian Assistance:
Background: Taliban Takeover:
India’s Position on Afghanistan Post-Taliban Takeover:
Current Presence: As of now, there are approximately 1,710 Indians residing in Afghanistan.
Professional Engagement: The majority of Indians in Afghanistan are employed in various professional sectors, including:
The challenges in India-Afghanistan relations are discussed below:
Afghanistan holds strategic importance for India due to several factors:
First Ministerial Contact Since 2021: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with the Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in May 2025, marking the first ministerial-level engagement since the Taliban’s return to power. This represents a cautious diplomatic opening.
Elevated Diplomatic Engagements: Earlier in the year, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in Dubai to discuss expanding trade and humanitarian outreach via Chabahar Port and ensure continuity in aid delivery.
Humanitarian Aid & Trade Movement: India continues to deliver crucial humanitarian assistance, including wheat (via WFP and Chabahar), vaccines, and medical supplies. Additionally, as a humanitarian goodwill gesture, India allowed entry of 160 Afghan trucks laden with dry fruits via the Attari border—signaling growing pragmatism in bilateral ties.
Evolving Strategy & Regional Diplomacy: India's current approach balances humanitarian outreach, strategic engagement, and regional diplomacy. It includes engaging Afghan Taliban officials while maintaining existing Indian development commitments and navigating regional geopolitics shaped by China and Pakistan.
Chabahar’s Renewed Strategic Role: Chabahar Port remains critical. India reaffirmed its commitment to utilize it for trade and commercial activities with Afghanistan—bypassing Pakistan—and potentially scaling up movement of goods and humanitarian supplies.
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1. What are some of the strategic factors that undergird India's partnership with Afghanistan? | ![]() |
2. What are the implications of the withdrawal of troops on Indo-Afghan bilateral relations? | ![]() |
3. How does India's partnership with Afghanistan contribute to its regional influence? | ![]() |
4. How does the partnership between India and Afghanistan contribute to counterterrorism efforts? | ![]() |
5. How do cultural and historical ties between India and Afghanistan influence their bilateral relationship? | ![]() |