The US and India have signed an agreement for a bilateral dialogue with Afghanistan. It marks a change in Washington’s attitude to Delhi’s role in the Afghan conflict. In the 1980s, the Soviets moved into Afghanistan and India and the US were on opposite sides. In 2001, it was goodbye to the Taliban. At that point, the US welcomed India’s contribution to the Afghan economic reconstruction. But Washington did not allow Indian military intervention to please sensitive Pakistan whose western borders were in crossfire. The US is now on the verge of ending its combat role. Its differences with Pakistan have become sharp. So the US is urging Delhi to take greater responsibility in resolving the Afghan crisis. Beijing is also apprehensive about the Taliban’s return to power, backed by the Pakistan army’s support. It has recently inducted Afghanistan in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as an observer. It also has plans to build a bilateral strategic partnership with Kabul.
Pakistan’s hope of dominating Afghanistan after US withdrawal is fading. India should focus on making the most of the current alignment of its own interests with those of the international community. It has signed a bilateral strategic agreement with Afghanistan. It will send more defence equipment and financial support to President Karzai’s armed forces along with providing military training. India should also have talks with China and Russia on security in Afghanistan. Cooperation with Pakistan in Afghan reconstruction is of mutual interest. At the same time, the Taliban has praised for opposing greater military intervention in the region. In a statement, it has asked for cordial relations with India. That throws a new complexion on the Afghan imbroglio.
