What happened?
India is expected to allow a senior Taliban representative to oversee the Afghan embassy in New Delhi, marking a shift in its engagement with the Taliban-led government. While India will not officially recognize the Taliban regime, the move reflects its evolving strategy to maintain diplomatic channels and counter China’s growing influence in Afghanistan. Najib Shaheen and Shawkat Ahmadzai are considered frontrunners for the position. India has resumed trade talks with the Taliban and recently stationed an Afghan administrator in Mumbai for consular services.
Why it matters to India?
India’s decision to engage with the Taliban is a pragmatic step to safeguard its strategic and economic interests in Afghanistan. With China expanding its investments in Afghan infrastructure and mining, India seeks to maintain a foothold in the region. Given Afghanistan’s role in regional security and connectivity projects, diplomatic engagement allows India to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape while protecting its investments and countering regional adversaries.
