New Delhi recently received an official delegation from the Taliban government, led by Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister — the first such visit since the formation of the Islamic Emirate in 2021. The visit reflects the emerging dynamics in Indo-Afghan relations, adding fresh impetus to dialogue between the two civilizational partners. Whatever its precise intent, it can be viewed as a response to two major developments: India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan-based terror networks, and the Trump administration’s tariff impositions on Indian exports. The visit holds potential implications for India’s national interests and reinforces its pursuit of strategic autonomy in South Asia.

New Delhi, Kabul, and Mutual Expectations

The Taliban delegation’s visit is laden with expectations for renewed engagement with New Delhi, drawing upon the long-standing civilizational and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

India’s commitment to Afghanistan has been time-tested, humanitarian, and constructive. Following talks with India’s External Affairs Minister, New Delhi agreed to provide ambulances to strengthen Afghanistan’s healthcare system. Guided by the principle of non-reciprocity, India’s Afghanistan policy has remained steady despite external pressures or shifts in Kabul’s politics.

The Taliban, in turn, appear eager for recognition and legitimacy from India. Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister assured that Afghan soil would not be used for anti-India activities — a key Indian demand. This understanding could evolve from a non-reciprocal to a mutually beneficial partnership. India has consistently supported an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned development process, and a stable Afghanistan remains central to India’s regional strategy.

The Pakistan Factor

Afghanistan’s Durand Line and India’s Kashmir region remain shared fault lines—both exploited by Pakistan to advance its strategic aims. While Afghanistan has refused to recognize the Durand Line, India maintains its sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-occupied territories.

Afghanistan’s ties with Pakistan, once close during the Soviet and post-9/11 periods, have deteriorated sharply since the Taliban’s return to power. The Taliban’s growing disillusionment with Pakistan’s support for extremist groups has prompted a rethink in Kabul’s approach.

For India, too, Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorism continues to obstruct peace. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting Pakistan-based terror infrastructure. The Taliban government notably extended verbal support to India’s stance, terming the operation justified.

A sustained decoupling of the Taliban from Pakistan would represent a significant strategic gain for India, potentially reshaping the regional security balance.

Trump’s Trade War and Regional Fallout

Former US President Donald Trump’s protectionist trade policies placed India in a difficult position, compelling it to explore alternative strategic alignments. The imposition of steep tariffs on Indian goods nudged New Delhi to deepen cooperation with Russia, China, and other multilateral partners, countering American trade dominance.

For Afghanistan, Trump’s attempt to regain access to the Bagram airbase was unacceptable. The Taliban’s refusal reflected resentment toward renewed US military presence. India, too, supported Afghanistan’s sovereignty and opposed the re-entry of foreign forces.

Both India and China have emphasized respect for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and argued that any return of US troops would risk destabilizing the region. A foreign military-free Afghanistan, from India’s viewpoint, remains vital for lasting peace and connectivity across South and Central Asia.

India’s Connectivity Ambition

Geographically separated by Pakistan, India and Afghanistan share non-contiguous but historic bonds. Despite Pakistan’s obstruction of transit routes, India continues to seek alternative pathways for trade and connectivity.

A central pillar of this effort is the Chabahar Port project in Iran, part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The port provides India with a gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Russia, reducing reliance on Pakistan’s land routes.

The Taliban delegation’s visit is expected to give fresh momentum to Chabahar’s operationalization and a broader trade framework between New Delhi and Kabul. Beyond humanitarian assistance, India’s commitment now extends to integrating Afghanistan into regional supply chains, a step with significant economic and strategic dividends.

A Step Toward Recognition and Realignment

The Taliban delegation’s visit is strategically significant for both nations. At a time when China’s influence in South Asia continues to expand, the outreach signals India’s proactive engagement and Afghanistan’s quest for balanced diplomacy.

For Kabul, this engagement could serve as a gateway to international legitimacy. For India, it offers a renewed opportunity to shape Afghanistan’s developmental trajectory through aid, technical cooperation, and goodwill.

As Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister pledged that Afghan soil would not be used for anti-India activities, New Delhi reaffirmed its intent to support Afghanistan’s stability and reconstruction — guided by the enduring principles of aid, advice, and affection.

(Sivakumar M. V. is Director and Associate Professor, Department of International Relations, Capital Centre, Central University of Kerala. He holds a PhD in Political Science from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Subrat Kumar Ratha is a PhD scholar in International Relations and Politics at the Central University of Kerala, and holds an M.Phil. in Political Science from Utkal University, Odisha. Views expressed are personal. They can be contacted at subratratha78@gmail.com.)