India's Taliban Engagement: A Test of Strategic Pragmatism vs. Moral Clarity
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India-Afghanistan, India-Pakistan relations, Taliban, Deoband school); Internal Security (Terrorist groups - LeT, JeM).
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" (CORE TOPIC).
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): "Communalism" (Impact of Deoband visit on inter-community ties).
General Studies Paper 3 (Internal Security): "Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security"; "Security challenges and their management in border areas."
General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics): "Ethics in international relations" (The "Values vs. Interests" debate).
Key Highlights from the News
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to India indicates a significant shift in New Delhi's diplomatic stance towards Kabul.
India's security concerns, reducing Pakistan's influence, and protecting economic investments are the main reasons behind this approach of strategic pragmatism.
The article shares the concern that the Taliban still adheres to an ideology based on Wahhabi ideas, characterized by gender discrimination and intolerance.
The article criticizes the Taliban leader's visit to Darul Uloom Deoband, suggesting it might create a false impression that Indian Muslims support Taliban ideas. This could affect inter-community ties in India.
If the Taliban's old ties with the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI become active again, it could provide an opportunity for anti-India terrorist organizations like Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to use Afghan soil.
The main challenge facing India is finding a balance between strategic pragmatism and India's traditional moral clarity.
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