India Joins Taliban-Led Talks with China and Pakistan Among 11 Participating Nations

India joins a Taliban-led meeting with ten other nations, signaling a diplomatic stride despite no official recognition. The talks focus on fostering positive interactions and seizing emerging opportunities in Afghanistan. India's careful engagement stems from substantial investments, with contributions worth $3 billion, and a commitment to stability and development in the region.

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In a significant diplomatic move, India, along with ten other nations, engaged in talks initiated by the Taliban-led Afghan government. The meeting convened by Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi included representatives from Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Indonesia. This marks a notable step for India, indicating a shift towards involvement with the Taliban regime, despite no formal recognition.

According to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Muttaqi emphasized the importance of regional countries holding peace talks to foster positive interaction with Afghanistan. Participants were urged to capitalize on emerging opportunities in Afghanistan, aligning with a region-oriented tradition to collectively manage potential threats.

While Indian officials haven't officially commented on the Kabul meeting, Hafiz Zia Ahmed, deputy spokesman of the Afghan Foreign Ministry, relayed that India actively participates in international and regional initiatives concerning Afghanistan. The Indian representative highlighted the country's support for endeavors promoting stability and development in Afghanistan.

India's longstanding ties with Afghanistan were exemplified on January 23 when it supplied 40,000 liters of Malathion, a pesticide crucial for fighting locust infestations. This aid was delivered via the Chabahar Port, underscoring India's commitment to assisting the Taliban-controlled nation. India remains the most substantial donor to Afghanistan, with contributions totaling $3 billion.

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The Taliban's ascension to power in 2021 prompted India to withdraw its diplomats, only reinstating a technical team at the embassy in 2022. India's cautious engagement with the Taliban stems from its extensive investments in Afghanistan and growing relations with neighboring countries. Over 500 Indian-backed projects across Afghanistan focus on critical sectors such as power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture, and capacity building.

The Regional Cooperation Initiative meeting emphasized Afghanistan's current status as a "sovereign and safe" country, advocating for a "region-centric narrative" for constructive engagement with neighboring nations. India's participation in these talks signals a pragmatic approach to safeguard its interests in the region while maintaining a careful diplomatic balance. This strategic involvement comes ahead of the upcoming UN conference on Afghanistan in Doha, indicating a dynamic shift in regional diplomacy.