India-Afghanistan Relations 2025: Policies, Challenges, and Future Prospects

The relations between Afghanistan and India, the largest democratic country in the continent of Asia and the world, and a strategically important country for India and strategically important countries, are historical as well as cultural and strategic. There has been political instability in Afghanistan for the last several decades. After the Taliban came to power in 2021, India is trying to take its relations with Afghanistan to new heights as a responsible regional and global power. Today the people of India and Afghanistan have very good relations with each other. Let us know how are the relations between India and Afghanistan? And how are the two countries cooperating with each other in maintaining their relations. And what will be the difference on the relations between the two in the coming future, know in detail -

Historical Background

Relations between India and Afghanistan are thousands of years old. Historians say that long ago Afghanistan was also a part of India. Relations between the two countries are based on trade, cultural and social exchange. India has invested more than 3 billion dollars to play its role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan after decades of political instability in Afghanistan 2001. 

India is playing its main role today in the development of education, health, infrastructure and resources of Afghanistan. Which shows how much richer the relations between India and Afghanistan are today than before.

Current Status 2025

After the US army left Afghanistan, the Taliban came to power in August 2021, after which the formal relations between India and Afghanistan were initially affected, even India closed its embassy in Afghanistan but continued to supply humanitarian aid, food items and COVID-19 vaccine, then gradually the relations between the two are moving in a good direction by 2025. Recently, a meeting was held between India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and the executive officials of Afghanistan in Dubai and even the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in India was strongly condemned by Afghanistan. Recently, the Taliban government of Afghanistan has been recognized by Russia. And they have been accepted as the government. In the coming times, India can also recognize the Taliban government and their power in Afghanistan. There is a lot of discussion going on in India on this.

India's Policy Towards Afghanistan

India's policy towards Afghanistan was already strong, today it is showing more strength and cooperation. Even though India has not yet recognized the Taliban, India is still in favor of maintaining its cordial relations with the Afghan people by rising above political rule.

India's policy and destiny are clear. That in any form and in any situation, the land of Afghanistan should not be used as anti-India terrorism.

There is Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Still, India has continued to help the people of Afghanistan with humanitarian aid, food grains, medicine and education.

India has Chabahar Port in Iran. Through this, India wants to connect Afghanistan through Chabahar Port and International North South Transport Corridor. Which will add to the economy of Afghanistan in the coming times.

Afghanistan (Taliban regime) policy towards India

 Afghanistan's policy towards India is balanced. Taliban has stated publicly many times that it wants positive and peaceful relations with India. It has confirmed many times that it will never allow its land to be used for anti-India activities.

Afghanistan expects India to provide food aid, medical care to the people of Afghanistan and restart its existing and new infrastructure projects.

The current Taliban regime in Afghanistan has indicated many times that it will not take any side in the Indo-Pak conflict as happened in the Indo-Pak conflict in which India launched Operation Sindoor. Afghanistan wants to present itself as an independent and willing country to build connectivity.

Afghanistan wants to further increase trade relations with Afghanistan through Chabahar Port in Iran. Apart from this, it also wants India's cooperation in expanding cargo and transit facilities.

 The ruling regime of Afghanistan also wants restoration of diplomatic relations with India. But India has not given any indication this time. It is being very cautious on this.

Key Challenges in India-Afghanistan Relations

1. Political instability and Taliban rule

 Due to political instability in Afghanistan, India has not yet given formal recognition to the Taliban government of Afghanistan. Till now there is confusion between the two countries regarding recognition. India is worried that if we recognize the Taliban. Then radicalism and instability can be promoted in Afghanistan.

2. Terrorism and security threats

 Despite the promises of the Taliban, India is always afraid that anti-India terrorist groups may use the land of Afghanistan as effective action has not been taken against these groups yet. These anti-India terrorist groups (Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed) can spread terror in Kashmir.

3. Trade and connectivity barriers

There is no direct land contact between the two countries due to Pakistan's occupation of POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir). The trade route between India and Afghanistan is limited and unstable due to lack of direct contact. India's Chabahar Port in Iran is not able to accelerate the trade of both the countries.

4. Humanitarian crisis and development cooperation: 

India is providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to reduce the economic plight in Afghanistan. The main problems in which are food crisis and unemployment are at their peak. If India starts a big development project in Afghanistan at a time of political instability, the development project may prove to be risky in the coming times.

5. Women's rights and human rights violations

Under the policies of the Taliban, there are strict restrictions on women's education, employment and freedom. Most democratic countries including India disagree with the Taliban regime on this issue. This human rights crisis is becoming a moral and diplomatic obstacle in the relations between the two countries.

6. Regional influence and competition

Both Pakistan and China are strengthening their hold in Afghanistan. India is facing competition to protect its strategic interests and increase its influence.

Conclusion 

The relations between India and Afghanistan are deeply rooted in history, culture, and strategic interests. Despite the political instability in Afghanistan and the emergence of the Taliban regime, India continues to adopt a people-centric approach by providing humanitarian assistance and maintaining informal ties. Both countries are cautiously moving forward, keeping in mind the mutual interests of peace, development, and regional stability.

However, several challenges such as political uncertainty, terrorism threats, limited trade connectivity, human rights violations, and growing regional competition with China and Pakistan pose significant obstacles in strengthening bilateral relations.

India remains committed to supporting the Afghan people while carefully navigating the complex political landscape. The future of India-Afghanistan relations will depend on the evolving situation in Afghanistan, the global community’s stance towards the Taliban, and the shared aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous region.