India in Afghanistan


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Afghan War News > Countries > India


Map of India India has a strategic interest in Afghanistan. It seeks a stable and independent Afghanistan as a counter to the designs of Pakistan. Pakistan, with its support of the Taliban, seeks 'strategic depth' in Afghanistan. India seeks to counter this by fostering a strong Afghanistan that is not in Pakistan's 'orbit'.

Diplomatic Relations. India has maintained friendly diplomatic relationships with Afghanistan over the years.

No Military Involvement. India has not provided troops to the ISAF coalition.

Strategic Partnership Agreement. India has signed an agreement with Afghanistan to assit in the training and equipping of Afghan security forces.

Non-Military Assistance. India has provided assistance to Afghanistan in the form of diplomatic support, humanitarian aid, and financial assistance. This aid, however, is not considered a lot of aid when compared to other donor nations such as Japan, Canada, Australia, United States, and European countries.

Mineral Deposits. India has an investment in an iron ore mine in Wardak province. Although it may be years before it can start extracting iron ore of significant amount - there is the possibility that it will provide economic value in the future - to both India and Afghanistan. The Hajigak Iron Ore Mine is located about 60 miles west of Kabul. India owns the mineral rights to three of the four blocks of iron ore in this region.

Energy. Afghanistan is the gateway to the energy-rich Central Asian States; and India needs a source of energy to keep its economy strong.

Pakistan Accusations Against India. Pakistan has accused India of causing trouble on its western border (Afghan-Pakistan border) utilizing India's consulates in Jalalabad (recently attacked by Pakistan ISI agents) and Kandahar. 1. The U.S. has dismissed the Pakistan charges as exaggerated. A more likely accusation might be the Pakistani intelligence service (ISI) recruiting, training, funding, and equipping its agents to attack Indian interests in Afghanistan.


News and Magazine Articles and Blog Posts on India and Afghanistan

May 14, 2019. "India in Afghanistan after the Soviet Withdrawal", by Avinadan Choudhury, The Diplomat.

November 24, 2015. "Turning Point in Afghanistan-India Relations?", by Ankit Panda,The Diplomat. Recent developments in the India-Afghanistan bilateral relationship suggest a major shift may be afoot.

April 9, 2015. "Why the US Should Work with India to Stabilze Afghanistan". Defense One. Alyssa Ayres, of the Council on Foreign Relations, tells us of some areas where American and Indian expertise can boost Afghanistan's security and help consolidate its democratic gains.

November 20, 2014. "What Indians Really Think About the Foreign Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan". The South Asia Channel - Foreign Policy.

April 1, 2014. "Pakistan, Afghanistan, India all want leftover MRAPs". Military Times.

March 6, 2014. "India and Pakistan: Competition or Cooperation in Afghanistan?" The Diplomat. Author discusses the importance of stability in Afghanistan.

March 4, 2014. "Afghan Stability Is in India's Interest". The New York Times. Javid Ahmad, a program coordinator at the German Marshall Fund, writes this article.

January 2, 2014. "India Pursues Greater Military, Economic LInks With Afghanistan". Defense News. While India seeks a democratic, stable Afghanistan its ability to help in defense issues are limited. It can provide infrastructure aid and some limited military training.

August 6, 2013. "India's challenges in Afghanistan post-2104". East Asia Forum.

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Endnotes

1. See "Pakistani fears over India Afghan role 'not groundless'", BBC, August 7, 2013.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-23598521

 

 


 

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