Geopolitical Challenges and Opportunities for India in Afghanistan Under the Taliban Regime

Abstract

After US troops withdrew from Afghanistan, the Taliban returned to power, which is creating concerns for the regional and international communities. The countries in South Asia and Central Asia are threatened by the repercussions of the Taliban's resurgence. The flow of Afghan refugees into the neighboring countries has created severe ramifications for the neighbors. Moreover, the threat of an increasing jihadi landscape after the return of the Taliban made the regional security scenario more complex. Importantly, the divergence of interest of the neighboring countries in solving the Afghan crisis due to economic and geopolitical considerations imposes overbearing security concerns for all. Since 2001, India has enjoyed close relations with the Afghan government, which changed after the Taliban takeover. There are many investments at stake. It is yet to be seen how the India-Taliban dynamics will work out in the region. Thus, the chapter aims to investigate the role played by India in Afghanistan during the ‘war on terror' and the possible role that India can play under the Taliban regime.