The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 26th March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

​The ‘Great Abandonment’ of Afghanistan

Why in News?

The situation in Afghanistan has worsened since the U.S. withdrawal, with the Taliban imposing strict restrictions, particularly on women. India faces a strategic dilemma in engaging with the Taliban while maintaining ties with exiled Afghan communities.

Historical U.S. Engagement with Afghanistan

• The U.S. initially engaged with Afghanistan’s government but later changed its focus.
• In 2017, a deal was signed to grant U.S. companies access to Afghanistan’s rare earth minerals.
• By 2018, the U.S. began talks with the Taliban, excluding the elected government.
• The Doha Accords of 2020 favored the Taliban, failing to secure commitments on political stability, counter-terrorism, or women’s rights.
• This weakened the Afghan government and facilitated the Taliban’s takeover.

Current Situation in Afghanistan

• The Taliban now exerts strong control over the country, implementing stricter rules, particularly against women.
• Women are prohibited from education, work, and public life, reversing two decades of progress.
• Despite lacking international recognition, regional powers have engaged with the Taliban, allowing them diplomatic presence.
• The U.S. and European nations have distanced themselves, while neighboring countries have strengthened ties with the regime.

India’s Approach to Afghanistan

• India has adopted a cautious approach, neither recognizing the Taliban nor fully supporting the previous Afghan diplomats.
• In 2022, India reopened a “technical mission” in Kabul, engaging at an official level.
• A recent high-level meeting discussed plans to expand India’s presence and resume development projects in Afghanistan.

Reasons Behind India’s Engagement with the Taliban

Pragmatism and Realpolitik

• There is a belief that the Taliban’s rule is long-term, making engagement necessary.
• However, internal conflicts within the Taliban regarding education policies and economic mismanagement suggest instability.

Humanitarian Aid

• Some argue that working with the Taliban is essential for aid delivery.
• India has successfully provided aid in the past without direct Taliban engagement.

Strategic Interests

• Concerns exist that India may lose influence if it does not reopen its embassy while other countries establish their presence.
• However, historical partnerships with the previous Afghan government cannot be replicated with the Taliban due to ideological differences.

Challenges for India

• The Taliban has previously targeted Indian interests, raising security concerns.
• India’s visa policies for Afghans fleeing the Taliban have disappointed many who previously supported India.
• Afghans who sought refuge in India in the past contributed positively to bilateral ties, but current restrictions may weaken India’s long-term influence.

Policy Recommendations for India

• India should balance engagement with the Taliban while maintaining relations with opposition groups.
• Actively supporting women’s rights and political representation is crucial.
• The cricket board should promote recognition of the Afghan women’s team.
• Hosting discussions for Afghan exiles in India could address political concerns.
• A flexible foreign policy is necessary to sustain long-term influence in Afghanistan.

Conclusion

India should engage with Afghanistan in a pragmatic manner, ensuring strategic interests and humanitarian commitments are met. Balancing ties with both the Taliban and exiled Afghan communities is vital for long-term regional stability and goodwill.

A bad omen for public trust in vaccines

Why in News?

 The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is India's national regulatory authority for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. It is responsible for ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs, including vaccines, before they are approved for use in the country. 

In recent years, there has been increasing public concern and legal scrutiny regarding the approval and administration of vaccines in India. Various petitions have been filed in courts raising issues related to transparency in clinical trials, adverse effects, and compensation for vaccine-related deaths. These concerns, while serious, should not be misconstrued as anti-vaccine conspiracy theories.

Issues Raised in Petitions

• One petition from Kerala specifically highlighted concerns about deaths allegedly linked to the anti-rabies vaccine.
• Other petitions question the transparency of clinical trial data and the disclosure of potential side effects associated with vaccines.
• There are also calls for improved monitoring of adverse reactions and appropriate compensation for individuals affected by vaccine side effects.
• Many petitioners express distrust in the regulatory body and advocate for independent committees to review vaccine approvals.

Role of Courts and Legal Challenges

• Courts are not the most suitable place to resolve scientific issues related to vaccines, as these cases often take years to settle and may not offer clear answers.
• Vaccine manufacturers have countered critics with defamation lawsuits, leading to more legal disputes.
• In some instances, courts have issued protective orders for vaccine manufacturers, which could further erode public confidence.

Lack of Transparency in Vaccine Approval

• The CDSCO is crucial for vaccine approvals in India. However, the lack of transparency regarding the decision-makers and their potential conflicts of interest undermines public trust.
• Making this information public could enhance confidence in the vaccine approval process.

Need for Better Clinical Trial Data Disclosure

• The CDSCO does not currently make public the clinical trial data that informs vaccine approvals.
• Sharing this data publicly, while ensuring patient privacy, would significantly improve transparency and public confidence in the approval process.

Informed Consent and Public Awareness

• It is essential for citizens to receive clear and comprehensible information about potential vaccine side effects to make informed choices.
• This information should be provided in an easily understandable format at the time of vaccination to ensure that individuals are fully aware of the risks.

Strengthening Vaccine Monitoring

• India currently lacks a robust legal framework for monitoring adverse reactions to vaccines.
• Existing guidelines are not adequately enforced and would benefit from legal backing to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

Compensation for Vaccine-Related Deaths

• Some petitions call for compensation for families of individuals who may have died due to vaccine side effects.
• A court ruling in 2022 directed the government to establish a compensation policy, but a final decision on this matter is still pending.

Responsibility for Compensation

• Vaccine manufacturers should bear the responsibility of compensating affected individuals, as they profit from the sale of vaccines.
• The government's role in providing compensation remains unclear due to undisclosed agreements with manufacturers regarding liability and compensation.

Conclusion

• Other than the issue of compensation, the concerns raised in the petitions should be addressed through policy measures rather than court interventions.
•  Maintaining public trust in vaccines is crucial for the success of immunization programs in India. 
•  The Ministry of Health should proactively work to address these concerns through clear policies or the introduction of new laws to enhance transparency and public confidence in the vaccination process.