India's Evolving Afghanistan Policy: Engaging with the Taliban
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India and its neighborhood - Afghanistan; Regional groupings - Moscow Format Consultations; United Nations bodies - UNSC sanctions).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): India and its neighborhood- relations; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. India's policy towards the Taliban is a critical and contemporary topic in International Relations.
Key Highlights from the News
India's engagement with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan is increasing. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting India.
This is the first official visit by a senior Taliban minister since the Taliban took power in 2021.
This visit is seen as an indication that India is preparing to grant formal recognition to the Taliban government.
Recently, in the Moscow Format Consultations held in Russia, the Taliban delegation participated as a "member" for the first time, instead of an observer. India also participated in this meeting.
Amir Khan Muttaqi is an individual included in the UN Security Council’s sanctions list. He is traveling with special permission.
This move indicates the necessity for India to adopt a pragmatic approach, shifting from its previous stance, to protect India's security interests in its neighboring country.
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