Sample Lecturette 6: India - Afghanistan Relations | Preparation Tips for SSB Interview - CDS PDF Download

The relationship between India and Afghanistan is more than just a simple bilateral connection. India's approach to Afghanistan is influenced by various factors such as its geographical limitations, the desire to establish a transit route to Central Asia through Afghanistan and Iran, the complicated relationship with Pakistan, and the increasing threat of terrorism in both India and Afghanistan.
The long-standing ties between India and Afghanistan, shaped by their shared history, culture, and strong people-to-people connections, form the basis of a deep and robust relationship between the two countries. Building upon mutual trust and common values, India plays a significant role in supporting Afghanistan's journey towards peace and prosperity.

Historical and cultural ties

• The relationship between the people of Afghanistan and India can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation.
• During the rule of the Mauryans, who governed much of the area now known as Afghanistan, Buddhism was introduced to the region.
• India and Afghanistan have a rich heritage spanning centuries, with deep connections in the fields of arts, culture, architecture, cuisine, and language.
• Many Afghan musicians have received training in the Patiala Gharana, a school of music in India.
• Today, Indian films, songs, and TV shows are highly popular among the masses.
• As part of India's efforts to support Afghanistan, projects are regularly undertaken to preserve Afghanistan's cultural heritage.

Diplomatic Relations

India was the only South Asian country to recognize the Soviet-backed Democratic Republic of Afghanistan in the 1980s. However, its relations with Afghanistan were strained during the civil war in the 1990s and the Taliban government. India later assisted in the overthrow of the Taliban. Currently, there is a high-level political engagement between India and Afghanistan, evident in numerous visits by officials from both sides. In 2016, Afghanistan supported India's decision to boycott the SAARC summit hosted by Pakistan, which was a significant diplomatic victory for India. In 2011, India and Afghanistan signed an Agreement on Strategic Partnership, which shapes India's overall engagement with Afghanistan. This agreement entails close political cooperation, regular consultations, joint initiatives on regional and international issues, and collaboration at the United Nations and other international forums.

Economic and Commercial Relations

The trade between India and Afghanistan in the year 2016-17 amounted to around USD 800 million and has great potential for further expansion. Several well-known Indian companies, including Gammon India, Spice Jet, Phoenix, and APTECH, are engaged in business activities in Afghanistan. India is a significant market in the region for Afghan products. The introduction of the Dedicated Air Cargo Corridor in June 2017, connecting Kabul-Delhi and Kandahar-Delhi, has given a new boost to bilateral trade. Since 2002, India has been Afghanistan's largest donor in the region, providing approximately $3 billion in assistance.

Security relations

In 1999, when the hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 landed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, the Taliban was suspected of supporting the hijackers. This incident led India to become a major supporter of the Anti-Taliban Northern Alliance. Currently, the insurgents are gaining power again, with the Taliban controlling over half of the country's territory, mainly in rural and mountainous areas, while the Islamic State has established a presence in eastern Afghanistan. Afghanistan is a part of the Golden Crescent, which caters to a much larger market in India for narcotics, posing a significant security concern for India. The security cooperation between the two countries aims to enhance their joint efforts in combating terrorism, organized crime, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and other related issues. India has agreed to assist in equipping and capacity building programs for the Afghan National Security Forces.

People to people ties

India and Afghanistan have a strong bond between their people, influenced by their shared history, culture, and mutual trust. At present, approximately 2,500 Indians reside in Afghanistan. Many of them work as professionals in various sectors, including banks, IT firms, construction companies, hospitals, NGOs, telecom companies, security firms, and universities.
Afghan tourists, particularly those seeking medical treatment, prefer India due to their high regard for Indian medicines and healthcare system. India has implemented a visa system that is favourable to Afghans, particularly for tourism and medical purposes. Furthermore, around 16,000 Afghan students are pursuing their education in Indian universities, with scholarships available through organizations such as the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and scholarships dedicated to the children of Afghan Security Forces martyrs.

India's role in reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan

India has played a significant role in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan, making substantial investments in technical cooperation and capacity building within the country. India's support encompasses the reconstruction of air links, power plants, and investments in the health and education sectors. Additionally, India has provided training for Afghan civil servants and security forces. Notable contributions include the construction of the Delaram-Zaranj highway, connecting Afghanistan's Delaram district to the Iranian border.
This highway offers Afghanistan an additional trade route through the Chabahar seaport in Iran. The Afghan-India Friendship Dam, previously known as the Salma Dam, was constructed by India in the Heart province. As a gesture of goodwill, India built a new parliament building in Afghanistan. Over 200 public and private schools have been constructed by India, along with sponsorship for over 1,000 scholarships and hosting of more than 16,000 Afghan students.
Numerous Indian companies are involved in reconstruction projects, and India conducts training programs for civil servants and the police force in Afghanistan. Recently, India has committed to implementing several new projects, including the Shahtoot Dam and drinking water project in Kabul, road connectivity to Band-e-Amir in Bamyan Province to promote tourism, low-cost housing for returning Afghan refugees in Nangarhar Province, and a gypsum board manufacturing plant in Kabul.

Challenges for India

• India faces significant challenges in providing assistance to Afghanistan due to its geographical distance and limited access.
• The security situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan poses a continuous problem, with interference in Afghan affairs by groups like the Haqqani network acting as proxies.
• The increasing presence of Al Qaeda and ISIS in Afghanistan has led to heightened security concerns for India.
• Afghanistan, located in the Golden Crescent, is a major producer of opium, and the trafficking of drugs from Afghanistan to Indian states like Punjab has negatively impacted the youth and fostered terrorism and organized crime.
• The Afghanistan Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement (APTTA), signed in 2011 between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has imposed restrictions on bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan.
• India also faces a diplomatic challenge due to the expanding influence of China in Afghanistan.

Opportunities for India

• India enjoys significant goodwill from both the bureaucracy and the people of Afghanistan, which can be utilised to develop strong ties with the country.
• Afghanistan's strategic location between South Asia and Central Asia presents a valuable opportunity for India to enhance trade with Central Asia through the Chabahar route.
• The shift in US policy towards a pro-India stance on the Afghan question can also be advantageous for India, and this change can be leveraged to our benefit.

Tussle with Pakistan

According to Pakistani politicians and the military, they believe that any involvement by India in Afghanistan goes against Pakistan's interests. They have also accused India and Afghanistan of supporting separatist movements in Pakistan, particularly the Baloch and Pashtun ethnonational groups.

Pakistan's Stance on India's Role in Afghanistan
Pakistan's leaders have been quick to declare that they do not want India to have any political or military role in Afghanistan. They have employed Taliban and other terrorist groups as proxies to counter India's presence in Afghanistan.

Obstacles in India-Afghanistan Trade
Pakistan has hindered bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan through the Afghanistan Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement (APTTA). This agreement allows both countries equal access to each other's national boundaries. However, Pakistan only permits Afghan trucks carrying goods for India to reach its last checkpoint at Wagah, not allowing them to proceed to the Indian checkpoint at Attari, which is less than a kilometer away.

The shift in US Policy

President Donald Trump's decision to increase the US military's engagement in Afghanistan indicates that the fight against terrorism will continue. This could lead to a higher number of US troops being deployed in Afghanistan.

Pakistan's Mention in US Speech
During the speech, Pakistan was referred to as a safe haven for terrorists and a target of the new US counterterrorism strategy for South Asia. There may also be a reduction in financial aid to Pakistan due to its support for terrorist groups like the Taliban and Haqqani network in Afghanistan. Pakistan has been warned of severe consequences if it continues to support these groups.

Recognition of India's Role
President Trump acknowledged India's significant role in Afghanistan in his speech. He emphasized India as a key partner and called for a more proactive involvement from India in Afghanistan. This change in US policy highlights a stronger alignment of interests between India and the US regarding Pakistan and its connections to terrorism.

Way forward and suggestions

• India's main goal is to see a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. To achieve this, India should support all efforts to improve security in Afghanistan and bring peace and prosperity to the country.
• India must stay committed to fighting terrorism in Afghanistan and eliminating any safe havens for terrorist groups that are hostile towards India.
• India should continue providing aid and assistance to the Afghan government and its people.
• India should also focus on developing Afghanistan by training its security forces and improving its infrastructure, aiming to maintain peace and prosperity in this friendly neighboring country.
• India should assist Afghanistan in achieving strategic independence and freeing itself from the influence of Pakistani leadership.

Conclusion

Despite the numerous challenges, the relationship between India and Afghanistan has never been stronger. India's consistent policy of reconstruction and socio-economic development in Afghanistan has contributed to the country's peace and prosperity.
India's investment in the relationship with Afghanistan has already paid off. The continuous developmental efforts and aid programs by India have earned significant goodwill among the people of Afghanistan.