Nearly 4 years after assuming power over Kabul, Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban government and establish its relationship with it in full. After this move by Russia, all eyes are on India, China, Pakistan and Iran. Because all these countries are already interacting with the Taliban, but no one has given any recognition to the Taliban.
Welcoming Russia's decision, Afghan Foreign Minister Aamir Khan Mutki said, “We appreciate this courageous step taken by Russia and by the will of God, it will become a vision for others as well.” Today we will try to find an answer to this question, what is the attitude of India on the Taliban, how important Afghanistan is for India and whether India will also recognize the Taliban government.
India's history and current status with Taliban
After the capture of the Taliban in 1996, New Delhi closed its embassy in Kabul. During the previous regime of the Taliban, India refused to recognize this group, because then India considered it to be associated with Pakistan's intelligence agencies. After the Taliban was removed from power in 2001, India again opened the embassy in Kabul, but it continued to target the Taliban and its associated groups, these groups have been attacking India's consulates from time to time.
In 2021, the Taliban again captured Kabul after the return of American forces and the return of American forces. After the possession, Pakistan and China started to increase closeness with it. Seeing which India changed its attitude. In 2021, temporarily closed Indian Embassy was reopened, and a delegation reached Doha to talk to Taliban authorities. This was also necessary because India has invested a lot in the Afghan and it was necessary to contact India with the Taliban to prevent the regional spread of Pakistan-China and secure its interests.
Then, in January 2025, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Egypt held a meeting in Dubai with Afghan Foreign Minister Aamir Muttki and in May, India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar spoke to Muttki on the phone, this was the first publicly accepted conversation with his Taliban.
India has continued humanitarian aid to Afghanistan even after the Taliban's return to power, nor does India see criticizing the Taliban like Western countries on international forums. Then the question comes, why is India delay in recognizing the Taliban.
Why delay in giving recognition?
India is working on the Taliban on diplomatic vigilance and 'Weight and Watch' policy. India has maintained limited diplomatic contacts with the Taliban, such as meetings in Doha and Dubai, but have not been in hurry to give official recognition.
India's 'Weight and Watch' policy shows that it wants to follow the stability of the Taliban rule, their promises (such as restriction on terrorism and inclusive government) and assess the attitude of the global community.
India has to keep its situation strong not only in the region but also against the recognition of the Taliban almost all the western countries. The decision to recognize the Taliban can affect India's status in security, human rights, regional geographical and international community.
How is India close to Taliban?
Afghanistan is a very important country for India and historically India's relations with Afghan have been good. India remains close to the Taliban without giving recognition under its spectacular diplomacy and foreign policy.
India has continued humanitarian aid to Afghan, India is providing special help in Afghan trade from Iran's Chabahar Port and diplomatic meetings with the Taliban continue. This time will tell when India recognizes the Taliban government, because it can affect India's relations with western countries. However, it is clear that India is strengthening its relationship with Taliban.
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