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The paper examines the evolution of India-Afghanistan relations across different Taliban regimes, exploring geopolitical impacts.

April 27, 2026Open Access

India-Afghanistan Relations from the Taliban 1.0 to 2.0 Regimes and New Geopolitical Consequences in South Asia

Key Points

The paper examines the evolution of India-Afghanistan relations across different Taliban regimes, exploring geopolitical impacts.
Comparative analysis of historical and contemporary diplomatic engagements between India and Afghanistan.
Evaluation of security concerns and bilateral relations during both Taliban regimes, 1996-2001 and post-2021.
Review of geopolitical strategies and India's approach to counter-terrorism and connectivity.
During the 1996-2001 period, India had minimal contact with Afghanistan, focusing on supporting anti-Taliban forces.
Post-2021, India has engaged in pragmatic diplomacy, providing humanitarian assistance and tentative diplomatic relations despite no formal recognition.
Continuity in security concerns is evident, yet there is a notable shift towards constructive, people-centric diplomatic strategies.

Abstract

India has maintained deep historical and geopolitical ties with Afghanistan since ancient times, yet these relations have frequently been disrupted by interventions from external powers.The Soviet invasion in 1979 and the Taliban's insurgencies and authoritarian governance, particularly during its first regime (1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001), along with the U.S.-led intervention in 2001 created instability in Afghanistan's state structure, repeatedly disrupted the India-Afghanistan bilateral relationship, and generated security challenges for the wider South Asian region.The authoritarian rule of the Taliban, marked by insurgency and repression, further erected significant obstacles to the relationship of these two nations.Following the US military withdrawal and the Taliban's resurgence in August 2021, Indo-Afghan relations have entered a distinct new phase, characterised by pragmatic engagement, humanitarian assistance, and cautious diplomatic outreach despite the absence of formal recognition.This evolution stands in notable contrast to the previous Taliban regime (1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001), when India maintained minimal contact and actively supported anti-Taliban forces.The current trajectory reflects India's strategic recalibration, seeking to safeguard its interests in connectivity, counter-terrorism, and reconstruction while navigating the persistent influence of external powers.This paper aims to analyse India-Afghanistan relations across the Taliban regimes and highlights the adversarial stance of the 1996-2001 period compared with the pragmatic, positive dimensions emerging post-2021.The analysis reveals both continuity in security concerns and a shift towards constructive, people-centric diplomacy under the present Taliban dispensation, reflecting India's broader geopolitical interests in South Asia.

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